Following the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, Indian Army chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi will assess security in Srinagar; Foreign Secretary Misri briefs key G20 ambassadors including those from China, Canada, UK, and Russia.
April 24, 2025: In the wake of the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead, the Indian government has swiftly moved into high-level crisis response mode. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi will visit Srinagar on Friday to personally review the counter-terrorist operations underway in the Kashmir Valley and along the Line of Control (LoC).
According to defence officials, General Dwivedi will be briefed by top commanders of the 15 Corps and Rashtriya Rifles formations during his visit. His review is expected to focus on pre-emptive strategies, infiltration control, and security of tourist circuits in the region.
MEA Briefs G20 Envoys
In parallel to the military response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) conducted a 30-minute diplomatic briefing on Thursday, led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, targeting envoys from G20 nations. The ambassadors and senior diplomats from Germany, Japan, Poland, United Kingdom, Russia, China, Canada, France, Italy, Qatar, and the European Union were among those present at South Block.
The briefing addressed:
- The cross-border linkages of the attack
- India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty
- Expulsion of Pakistani military diplomats
- Suspension of all visas issued to Pakistani nationals
The move is seen as part of a broader diplomatic offensive by India to gather global support and pressure Pakistan internationally over its alleged continued support to terrorist outfits operating across the LoC.
Official Statement
The MEA stated:
“In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect.”
Context
- The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 was one of the deadliest strikes on civilians in Kashmir in two decades.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to “pursue the terrorists to the ends of the Earth”.
- India has already taken five major retaliatory steps, including halting the Indus Water flow, downgrading diplomatic ties, and closing the Attari border.
Tags: Pahalgam Terror Attack, Indian Army, Upendra Dwivedi Srinagar Visit, MEA Briefing, G20 Envoys, Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan Visa Ban, Vikram Misri, India-Pakistan Relations, Kashmir Terrorism