Morning Brief: PM Modi Cuts Short Saudi Visit, To Chair CCS Meet; Pakistan Army Chief's Dog-Whistle Seen As Catalyst For Attack; Trump Calls Modi, Backs India; And More

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The lush meadow of Baisaran in Pahalgam — nicknamed "Mini Switzerland" for its pine-fringed slopes — turned into a site of horror on 22 April (Tuesday) as terrorists opened fire on tourists from across the country, killing at least 26, but only after confirming the religious identity of their victims. Here are the major developments that have occurred since news of the attack first broke.

PM Modi Cuts Short Saudi Arabia Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia. He has returned to New Delhi, where he will chair a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting.

The CCS is the highest decision-making body in India on matters related to national security and defence. It is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes the Home Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and External Affairs Minister.

Modi had arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday and held bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during which both leaders condemned the terror attack. The two also co-chaired the Strategic Partnership Council and reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism. Skipping an official dinner, Modi decided to return to India on Tuesday night, ahead of his originally scheduled departure on Wednesday.

Dog-Whistle From Pakistan Army Chief Seen As Catalyst For Attack

Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir’s remark describing Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” is being seen as a possible dog-whistle for the Lashkar-e-Taiba-led terror attack in Pahalgam. According to TOI, Intelligence officials believe Munir’s provocative speech, combined with the anti-Hindu rhetoric, may have motivated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of LeT, to carry out a high-profile strike. Saifullah Kasuri alias Khalid is suspected to be one of the main plotters, while the role of two Rawalkot-based Lashkar commanders, including Abu Musa, is also under scrutiny.

At an April 18 event in Rawalkot, Musa declared: “Jihad will continue, guns will rage and beheading will continue in Kashmir. India wants to change demography of Kashmir by giving domicile certificates to non-locals.”

Terrorists Asked Victims To Recite 'Kalma', Then Opened Fire

Eyewitnesses of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, reported that the assailants identified their victims by religion before opening fire. 

According to survivors, the attackers asked tourists about their faith and confirmed that they were Hindu. They demanded that men recite the 'kalma'—a formal Islamic declaration of faith—before shooting those who could not comply. One woman recounted that her husband was shot in the head for not being Muslim. The assailants reportedly checked for circumcision marks to distinguish between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Trump Backs India After Pahalgam Terror Attack

United States President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday to condemn the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and offered full American support to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The call was confirmed by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who said both leaders stood united in the fight against terrorism. Earlier in the day, Trump had described the attack as "deeply disturbing" and expressed solidarity with the people of India in a message on Truth Social. In response, PM Modi thanked Trump for his support and said India is determined to bring the perpetrators and their backers to justice.

IB, Navy Officers Among Pahalgam Attack Victims

An Intelligence Bureau officer and a Navy officer were among those killed by the terrorists during the attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. The IB officer, Manish Ranjan, was on a family vacation when he was shot dead in front of his wife and children. Similarly, the Navy officer, who was on his honeymoon, also fell victim to the attack. Tourists from across the country, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Odisha, were killed in the attack.

Other Developments

Apple Could Double India Revenue As China Shipments Drop

Apple Inc is expected to nearly double its revenue in India to $15 billion in FY26, propelled by strong iPhone sales and a growing ecosystem of devices and services. Analysts anticipate a 30 per cent annual growth rate for Apple in India over the next five years, making the country a critical market for the company, Mint has reported.

Apple is also set to double its global iPhone manufacturing share in India, which currently stands at 14–15 per cent. Meanwhile, in China, Apple’s smartphone shipments dropped 9 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter, according to IDC. This marks Apple’s seventh consecutive quarterly decline in China, where its market share has fallen to 13.7 per cent.

India, US Finalise Trade Pact Framework

India and the United States have finalised the terms of reference for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), setting the stage for formal negotiations—the first such framework under the new Trump administration. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer emphasised the need to address the “serious lack of reciprocity” in the current trade relationship, stating that the agreement aims to open markets for American goods and tackle unfair trade practices.

US Vice President JD Vance, after meeting Prime Minister Modi, said the US is keen on selling more energy and defence equipment to India, including F-35s. The agreement is expected to cover a wide range of issues, including tariffs, digital trade, movement of professionals, and intellectual property rights. 

IMF Slashes US Growth Forecast Amid Tariff Uncertainty

The International Monetary Fund has sharply cut its US growth forecast for 2025 to 1.8 per cent, down from 2.7 per cent, citing uncertainty from rising trade tariffs. This marks the steepest downgrade among advanced economies. The IMF also warned that escalating tariffs and global instability could significantly slow global growth, now projected at 2.8 per cent. In contrast, India is expected to grow at 6.2 per cent, while China's growth is predicted to fall to 4 per cent. The Fund noted that global supply chain disruptions and policy unpredictability are weighing heavily on investment and trade.

You’re all caught up—until next time.