Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack on its first anniversary, asserting that India will never bend before terrorism and that those behind such acts will not succeed.
The country marked one year of the April 22, 2025, massacre in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed after being identified on the basis of religion. The anniversary comes amid renewed emphasis on India’s zero-tolerance approach to terror and continued vigilance along sensitive fronts.
In a post on X, Modi said, “Remembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten. My thoughts are also with the bereaved families as they cope with this loss.”
“As a nation, we stand united in grief and resolve. India will never bow to any form of terror. The heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed,” the Prime Minister added.
Remembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten. My thoughts are also with the bereaved families as they cope with this loss.
As a nation, we stand united in grief and resolve. India will never bow to…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2026
Army signals firm response, recalls manhunt under Operation Mahadev
Echoing the government’s stance, the Indian Army issued a strong message, warning that any act against the nation would invite a decisive response.
“For acts against India, the response is assured. Justice will be served. Always,” the Army said in a post on X.
For acts against #India, the response is assured.
Justice will be served. Always.#SindoorAnniversary #JusticeEndures #NationFirst pic.twitter.com/w6PRIpp0bM
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 22, 2026
The force also shared visuals linked to Operation Mahadev, the mission launched immediately after the attack to track down those responsible. The operation involved an extensive search across more than 300 square kilometres of difficult Himalayan terrain near Dachigam and Mahadev Ridge.
After a 93-day pursuit, security forces eliminated the three key attackers.
A day before the anniversary, the Army reiterated its position, stating, “When boundaries of humanity are crossed, the response is decisive. Justice is served. India stands united.”
The Army’s communication included a visual featuring a map of India marked with red sindoor, carrying the message “Some boundaries should never be crossed” and “India does not forget.”
What happened on April 22, 2025
The Pahalgam attack was carried out by The Resistance Front, linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attackers reportedly stopped tourists, questioned them about their religion and made them recite the Islamic kalima to single out non-Muslims.
Among the dead were 25 tourists and a local pony operator who tried to protect them. Several victims were newly married, and many were shot at close range in front of their families.
Operation Sindoor and escalation that followed
In response, Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 6 and 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in what officials described as a focused and measured action.
Pakistan responded with drone activity and shelling over the following days, hitting civilian areas and infrastructure. India hit back soon after, carrying out strikes on radar installations in Lahore and targets around Gujranwala.
The situation began to cool when Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations got in touch with his Indian counterpart, which eventually led to a ceasefire understanding on May 10, 2025.
Ceasefire, but continued threats
Despite the agreement, attempts involving drones and UAVs continued in the following weeks. These were intercepted by Indian forces, with field commanders authorised to act against any violations.
Officials say Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s ability to combine military precision with strategic restraint while reinforcing its stance against terrorism.