Following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has decided to cut short her official visit to the United States and Peru. According to an official statement released on Wednesday, the minister will return to India at the earliest opportunity to stand with the nation during this tragic time. Sitharaman had initially embarked on a six-day visit to the US starting Sunday, followed by a five-day official trip to Peru.

The Finance Ministry, in a post shared on X, stated, “Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman is cutting short her official visit to the USA-Peru. She is taking the earliest available flight back to India to be with our people in this difficult and tragic time.” The decision comes in the wake of a shocking terror attack near the well-known tourist destination of Pahalgam in Kashmir, where terrorists opened fire on a crowd at a popular meadow, resulting in the death of 26 people, most of whom were tourists. The attack has triggered widespread outrage and grief across the country.

In a similar move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, also shortened his trip and returned to New Delhi late Tuesday night, a day earlier than planned. His swift return underscores the severity of the situation and the governments commitment to addressing the tragedy directly. Leaders across party lines have condemned the attack, and there is a growing demand for justice for the victims. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also spoke with the Home Minister and the JK Chief Minister, stressing that those affected by the attack deserve justice and support during this painful time.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.