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News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
Terror Threat To Amarnath Yatra: Intel Agencies Warn Of TRF-Led Attack, Security Review On
Security forces have been strategically deployed along the route to ensure rapid response capabilities across all key points. Indian intelligence agencies issued an alert last week warning of a potential terror attack being planned during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Sources confirm that the intelligence input has been shared with all local police units and central security forces. A senior official told News18 that the alert specifically names The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the group behind the recent Pahalgam attack, as planning an attack on the Yatra. Security forces have been strategically deployed along the route to ensure rapid response capabilities across all key points. However, there is growing concern that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack remain at large and have not yet been neutralised. They can be hiding in Pir Panjal Jungle planning another attack. Notably, Pahalgam is a critical route for pilgrims heading to the holy cave and every day 15,000 people will use this route and 15,000 will use Baltal route to reach Holy Cave. The major concern is not only with Pahalgam route but also with Baltal route which is most preferred route for pilgrims. Officials aware of the input said that it is not the only alert raised by central agencies. In light of the threat, senior government officials are closely monitoring the situation. This week, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and the Director General of the CRPF visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess Yatra security preparations. Additionally, top-level officials from the Intelligence Bureau have already conducted reviews on the ground. Due to the heightened threat, the area has been declared a no-fly zone, and helicopter services for pilgrims have been suspended this year. The entire region has been divided into smaller security zones further divided into pockets with multiple agencies deployed for comprehensive protection. 'It is likely that security concerns may lead to cancellations by many pilgrims, particularly those who registered before the Pahalgam attack," a senior government official told News18. 'The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board is monitoring the situation and tracking the number of expected cancellations. Also, registered persons may be contacted for reconfirmation." All pilgrims planning to visit the Holy Shrine during this Yatra have been advised to take note of no helicopter services. Pilgrims may reach the Holy Cave Shrine on foot or avail the services of ponies and palkis throughout the Yatra. First Published: June 20, 2025, 11:10 IST
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Act Of Terror Will Be Considered An Act Of War"": PM Modi Tells Trump
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed US President Donald Trump that India will regard any act of terrorism, not as proxy actions, but as acts of war, stated Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday. The Prime Minister, during a 35-minute-long phone conversation, also conveyed to Trump that India does not seek and will never accept any mediation on matters related to Pakistan. President Trump, according to Mr Misri, fully understood India's position and expressed support for its fight against terrorism. PM Modi also informed Trump that India will consider any terror act emanating from Pakistan as an act of war, and that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing. Mr Misri revealed that this conversation between the two leaders was their first since the Pahalgam terror attack and India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor. The call took place after a scheduled in-person meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit was cancelled due to Trump's early return to the US. "The phone conversation was held at the request of President Trump," said Misri, adding that PM Modi used the opportunity to detail India's measured military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 innocent tourists. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front, a group affiliated with the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. "Prime Minister Modi said that on the night of May 6-7, India had targeted only terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India's actions were very measured, precise, and non-escalatory," Mr Misri said. "India had made it clear that it would respond to Pakistan's 'goli' with 'gola' (a strong, proportionate military response)," he said. Operation Sindoor saw India strike nine high-value terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and PoK. In response, Pakistan launched military strikes not only on Indian military infrastructure but also on civilian and religious sites, prompting further escalation. The Foreign Secretary also disclosed that on the night of May 9, US Vice President Vance conveyed to PM Modi that Pakistan could launch a major retaliatory strike. "Prime Minister Modi told him clearly that if this happens, India will respond with even greater force. India's strong counterattack on the night of May 9-10 caused heavy damage to Pakistan's military. Several of their airbases were rendered inoperable," Mr Misri said. He noted that following India's forceful retaliation, Pakistan approached India with a ceasefire request. "Prime Minister Modi stated that the ceasefire was agreed to only at the request of Pakistan and that India does not want mediation. He made it clear that at no point during this episode were India-US trade talks or third-party mediation discussed," Mr Misri stated. "The halt to military action was discussed directly between the two countries through existing military channels," he added. Reiterating India's long-standing position, Misri said, "Prime Minister Modi stressed that India has never accepted mediation, does not accept it, and will never accept it. There is complete political unanimity in India on this issue." President Trump reportedly asked if PM Modi could stop by the US on his return from Canada, but the Prime Minister expressed his inability due to prior commitments. However, both leaders agreed to try to meet soon. The conversation also covered international developments, including the Iran-Israel conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed that direct dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv is necessary for peace. "They also discussed the Indo-Pacific and the vital role of the QUAD. Prime Minister Modi invited President Trump to India for the next QUAD summit, and President Trump accepted the invitation," Mr Misri said.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Act of terror will be considered an act of war: PM Modi tells Trump
Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed US President Donald Trump that India will regard any act of terrorism, not as proxy actions, but as acts of war, stated Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday. The Prime Minister, during a 35-minute-long phone conversation, also conveyed to Trump that India does not seek and will never accept any mediation on matters related to Pakistan. President Trump, according to Misri, fully understood India's position and expressed support for its fight against terrorism. PM Modi also informed Trump that India will consider any terror act emanating from Pakistan as an act of war, and that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing. Misri revealed that this conversation between the two leaders was their first since the Pahalgam terror attack and India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor. The call took place after a scheduled in-person meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit was cancelled due to Trump's early return to the US. "The phone conversation was held at the request of President Trump," said Misri, adding that PM Modi used the opportunity to detail India's measured military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 innocent tourists. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front, a group affiliated with the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. "Prime Minister Modi said that on the night of May 6-7, India had targeted only terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India's actions were very measured, precise, and non-escalatory," Misri said. "India had made it clear that it would respond to Pakistan's 'goli' with 'gola' (a strong, proportionate military response)," he said. Operation Sindoor saw India strike nine high-value terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and PoK. In response, Pakistan launched military strikes not only on Indian military infrastructure but also on civilian and religious sites, prompting further escalation. The Foreign Secretary also disclosed that on the night of May 9, US Vice President Vance conveyed to PM Modi that Pakistan could launch a major retaliatory strike. "Prime Minister Modi told him clearly that if this happens, India will respond with even greater force. India's strong counterattack on the night of May 9-10 caused heavy damage to Pakistan's military. Several of their airbases were rendered inoperable," Misri said. He noted that following India's forceful retaliation, Pakistan approached India with a ceasefire request. "Prime Minister Modi stated that the ceasefire was agreed to only at the request of Pakistan and that India does not want mediation. He made it clear that at no point during this episode were India-US trade talks or third-party mediation discussed," Misri stated. "The halt to military action was discussed directly between the two countries through existing military channels," he added. Reiterating India's long-standing position, Misri said, "Prime Minister Modi stressed that India has never accepted mediation, does not accept it, and will never accept it. There is complete political unanimity in India on this issue." Trump reportedly asked if PM Modi could stop by the US on his return from Canada, but the Prime Minister expressed his inability due to prior commitments. However, both leaders agreed to try to meet soon. The conversation also covered international developments, including the Iran-Israel conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed that direct dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv is necessary for peace. "They also discussed the Indo-Pacific and the vital role of the QUAD. Prime Minister Modi invited President Trump to India for the next QUAD summit, and President Trump accepted the invitation," Misri said.
The Print
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Print
Defence stocks surge continues after Operation Sindoor, but is it just a sentiment-driven spike
The terror attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a frontal organisation of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The TRF later withdrew the claim. India and Pakistan were engaged in a swift but intense conflict after India launched Operation Sindoor in the intervening night of 6 and 7 May, hitting LeT and JeM terror infrastructure at nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation to the 22 April terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. New Delhi: Indian defence stocks have seen a remarkable surge since 7 May, propelled by the success of Operation Sindoor and riding on the expectation there will be greater defence spending by the Narendra Modi government in view of the current geopolitical scenario. As details of the 7 May operation emerged, defence companies, especially those tied to airpower and missile systems, saw significant positive market movements from day 1 itself. Significant gains were recorded for them on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) between May 7 and last Monday, 9 June. The rally continues. Among Defence PSUs, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) surged from ₹310 on the day of the launch of the operation to ₹392 on Monday, a rise of 26.5 percent. The Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) jumped from ₹1,447 to ₹1,947 during the period, gaining a massive 34.5 percent. Similarly, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) moved from ₹4,470 to ₹5,012, marking a 12.1 percent increase. In the private sector, ideaForge Technology, a drone manufacturer, saw its stock rise from ₹358 on 7 May to ₹586 9 June, soaring 63.7 percent. Solar Industries India, an ammunition and explosives supplier, climbed from ₹13,295 to ₹16,820, a gain of 26.5 percent. Similarly, Paras Defence and Space Technologies advanced from ₹1,369 to ₹1,607, up 17.4 percent. Also Read: Defence stocks surge continues amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions since Pahalgam attack The optimism The investor optimism is primarily driven by the simmering India-Pakistan tensions despite a cessation of hostilities, and how well indigenous defence systems performed during the conflict and expectations of heightened defence spending. Religare Broking Senior Vice President Ajit Mishra explained to ThePrint the rally is underpinned by both strategic imperatives and policy direction. 'With the current defence spending at just 1.9 percent of the GDP, there's ample scope for long-term growth, making the sector strategically attractive,' he said. Dr Vikas Gupta, CEO of OmniScience Capital, added that budget projections suggest India's defence allocation could rise to 2.2–2.3 percent of the GDP next year, with more than 70 percent of capital outlay earmarked for domestic procurement. 'The fact that these platforms are battle-tested makes a difference, not just for foreign buyers but also for Indian investors,' Gupta added. During the 87-hour conflict, weapons that proved their effectiveness included the Soviet-era air defence systems such as the L/70 guns and Zu-23 mm guns which were upgraded by BEL. The air defence control and reporting center 'Akashteer' developed by BEL for the Indian Army also performed effectively as did the homegrown Akash surface-to-air missile system manufactured by BDL. These systems were instrumental in countering Pakistan's extensive aerial incursions targeting civilian, religious and military infrastructure. Additionally, surveillance drones and kamikaze drones developed by ideaForge and Paras Defence also played a vital role during the conflict. Adding to the market sentiment were decisions such as the government granting emergency procurement powers to the armed forces in mid-May. Sources had told news agency ANI that the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the sixth round of emergency procurements (EP-6), allowing purchases worth up to ₹40,000 crore. These include surveillance drones, kamikaze drones, long-range loitering munitions and artillery ammunition. Furthermore, the government approved the execution model for the domestically produced fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) on 27 May. Under this model, state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will compete for the contract alongside private companies, which is said to be another factor aiding the windfall for defence players. Also Read: Trump tariffs led to a brokerage firm seeing 400% more investments in US stocks. What's the rush about Hype-driven valuation spikes and storification bias Despite the bullish sentiment, the analysts warn the current surge may be running ahead of fundamentals. 'This is a classic sentiment play,' said Mishra. 'Once a strong narrative forms, investors rush in, fearing they'll miss out. That herd behaviour can push stocks up rapidly in the short term, even if underlying fundamentals haven't changed much.' In the past, similar national security flashpoints, such as the Balakot airstrikes in 2019 or the Galwan clash in 2020 sparked short-term rallies in defence stocks, only to correct once enthusiasm faded. Dr V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, called the rally a textbook case of 'storification bias', where compelling headlines drive investment decisions more than earnings reality. 'Yes, war-tested equipment adds credibility. But revenue concentration and operational bottlenecks haven't changed overnight.' 'DPSUs are slow and overvalued. They still face long gestation cycles, delayed payments and tight margins due to their overdependence on a single buyer—the government,' added Vijayakumar. He also added that while the structural story of the defence sector remains compelling, centred by rising indigenous procurement, battlefield validation and export ambitions, the investors must temper expectations in the short term. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: Indian Navy flexes muscle in Arabian Sea with long-range precision anti-ship missile firings
The Hindu
08-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Influencing interlocutors: On Operation Sindoor, India's delegations
The seven Indian delegations of mostly Members of Parliament and some former diplomats, tasked by the government to carry diplomatic messages after Operation Sindoor, have completed their travels. The 59 members visited 32 countries to convey the country's position on the outrage felt over the Pahalgam terror attack and its links to Pakistan, the restrained and precise nature of Indian strikes on Pakistan's terrorist infrastructure, and the 'new normal' the government has adopted for terrorist strikes. The message was meant not just for foreign governments but also for lawmakers, the foreign media and the general public, especially in countries where New Delhi has felt it has not found the expected support. Many of the countries visited are members of the UN Security Council (UNSC), and include those which are elected non-permanent members or will join next year. This is important as India faced a diplomatic setback when Pakistan, an elected UNSC member for 2025-26, was able to amend the UNSC statement to omit references to The Resistance Front (TRF) that had claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. That Pakistan managed to be chosen Chair of the Taliban Sanctions committee and Vice-Chair of the UN Counter-terrorism Committee will make India's task of holding the terrorists responsible for the attack accountable through UN designations and at the Financial Action Task Force more difficult. Another area of focus was the membership of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation that has been particularly critical of India. Finally, the focus on the U.S. was pointed, where the delegation visited New York and Washington. This may have stemmed from the appearance that ties with Washington are strained over President Donald Trump's persistent claim that he had mediated the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, using trade ties as a leverage to avert a 'nuclear conflict'. It remains to be seen just how successful these tours of political diplomacy have been, given criticism in India that more time was spent speaking to the Indian diaspora, and giving interviews to the accompanying Indian media rather than in influencing interlocutors abroad. The delegations also had to contend with a copy-cat move from Pakistan to counter the Indian narrative. However, the overarching message of the delegations, comprising representatives from a number of Indian States, faiths and political parties, is a powerful one — of Indian unity and consensus on the issue of national security. At a time when the Modi government is under criticism internationally for 'democratic decline' and increasing majoritarianism, New Delhi chose its messengers wisely, with a view to projecting abroad a positive and pluralistic image of a country that was resolute against terrorism.
