In a message on January 31, 2026, he stated that the nation solemnly remembers the innocent lives lost in the attack and continues to feel the pain deeply.

Shah wrote, “On this day, we solemnly remember the innocent lives we lost in the horrific Pahalgam terror attack last year. The grief and pain of losing our people still remain in the hearts of every Indian. Terrorism is the greatest enemy of humanity, against which we must stand united to fight and defeat. India will continue its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and those who harbour it.”

The remarks coincided with the first anniversary of the attack on April 22, 2025, when terrorists targeted the tourist town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 civilians. The incident provoked widespread national outrage due to the brutality of the assault on innocent people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the victims through a message on X, expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and underscoring India's firm resolve to combat terrorism. He wrote, “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.”

Following the attack, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Official reports state that nine major terror launchpads associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen were destroyed, and over 100 terrorists were neutralised.

Subsequent drone attacks and shelling by Pakistan sparked a four-day conflict between the neighbouring countries. India conducted retaliatory strikes, destroying radar installations in Lahore and near Gurjanwala, displaying formidable defence capabilities.