New Delhi, July, 2025:
The Monsoon session of India’s Parliament commenced on a somber note as Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to the victims of two recent national tragedies—the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist att@ck in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, and the devastating June 12 Air India AI-171 plane crash that killed 260 people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the House, expressing grief over the losses and praising the swift response by India’s armed forces in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident. He highlighted Operation Sindoor, a military counter-offensive that reportedly destroyed multiple terrorist bases in retaliation, calling it a symbol of India’s growing strength and readiness in dealing with cross-border terrorism.
“This Monsoon session is not just a constitutional obligation but also a celebration of our defence capabilities, our spirit, and our unity,” said PM Modi.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Operation Sindoor demonstrated the Indian military’s precision and preparedness, adding that the mission neutralized terror hubs across the Line of Control (LoC) within 72 hours of the April 22 att@ck. He urged all parties to unite in honoring the bravery of the security forces and the memory of innocent civilians who lost their lives.
Opposition Raises Alarm
Meanwhile, the Opposition INDIA bloc has announced that it will raise several concerns related to both tragedies during the 32-day session, which includes 21 sittings. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated that while Operation Sindoor’s success is commendable, there must be accountability for the intelligence failures that led to the Pahalgam att@ck. The bloc also demanded a thorough investigation into the AI-171 crash.
“We demand transparency, not just retaliation. The country deserves to know what failed on April 22 and June 12,” said Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra.
The AI-171 aircraft, a Boeing 777 operating on the London-Mumbai route, crashed shortly after takeoff from Heathrow Airport due to suspected technical malfunction. Investigations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are ongoing, while international experts have been roped in for a comprehensive probe.
Legislative Agenda
The Monsoon session, which will run until August 21, includes a scheduled break between August 12 and August 18. Several important bills are expected to be tabled, including the Defence Procurement Reform Bill, Aviation Safety Enhancement Bill, and amendments to the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the government is ready for discussions on all issues, assuring cooperation from the Treasury Bench. “We welcome debate and deliberation, but disruptions should be avoided,” he said.
Emotional Atmosphere in the House
The atmosphere in the Lok Sabha remained emotionally charged, with several MPs recalling personal stories of constituents affected by both the Pahalgam att@ck and the plane crash. MPs across party lines joined in paying homage, reinforcing a rare moment of unity in the House.
With national security and aviation safety expected to dominate the agenda, this session may become a defining chapter in shaping policy around terrorism response and air travel regulation in the country.
Sources:
- Lok Sabha TV Live Proceedings
- Press Information Bureau (PIB)
- DGCA Preliminary Report on AI-171 Crash
- PM Modi’s Address to Parliament (July 22, 2025)
