In the aftermath of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, the Indian government has intensified its national security response.
On Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, to participate in a second meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)—the second such meeting within a week.
This session follows a series of high-level deliberations that have been convened since the attack, reflecting the government’s grave concern and determination to mount a comprehensive and strategic counter-response.
After the CCS meeting, PM Modi is scheduled to preside over successive sessions of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
These meetings are expected to be followed by a full Cabinet meeting, indicating an all-of-government approach to the crisis.
Military Empowered for Retaliatory Action
A day earlier, on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi had convened a separate meeting with the top military leadership, during which he reviewed the security situation and strategic options available to the Indian armed forces.
According to sources, Modi explicitly conveyed that the armed forces have been granted “complete operational freedom” to plan and execute a suitable response, including the mode, timing, and targets of their choosing.
Reaffirming his “unwavering trust” in the professionalism and capabilities of India’s military establishment, Modi reportedly declared:
“It is our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. We will not rest until every terrorist and their enablers are hunted down and punished.”
Present at the Tuesday meeting were key members of the defence and security hierarchy: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
The presence of all three service chiefs and the CDS signaled the seriousness of the situation and the likelihood of a coordinated, tri-service response.
Diplomatic and Strategic Measures Already Underway
In the aftermath of the April 23 terror strike, the CCS had already taken decisive diplomatic and strategic measures against Pakistan, which the government believes has links to the perpetrators. Among the steps taken were:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a significant agreement between India and Pakistan regarding water-sharing of the Indus River system.
- Downgrading of diplomatic relations by halving the strength of Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in India.
- Expulsion of Pakistani diplomats and defence officials stationed in India.
- Cancellation of visas issued to Pakistani nationals.
- Closure of the Attari-Wagah border crossing, halting people-to-people movement.
- Withdrawal of Indian personnel posted at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
Additionally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed all states and Union Territories to identify and ensure that no Pakistani nationals remain in India beyond their visa expiration dates, reinforcing the government’s strict posture.
Unified Political Front
Following these steps, Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation, vowing to track down and eliminate every terrorist and their facilitators, no matter where they hide. “We will identify, pursue, and destroy those behind this barbaric attack, even if it means chasing them to the ends of the earth,” Modi stated emphatically.
In a show of political solidarity, an all-party meeting was also held, where leaders across the political spectrum expressed unconditional support for the government’s actions and any future steps deemed necessary to ensure national security and avenge the lives lost.
Internal Security Agencies on Alert
Simultaneously, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a separate strategic meeting on Tuesday with key officials from India’s paramilitary and internal security agencies. This included:
- Daljit Singh Chaudhary, Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF)
- Brighu Srinivasan, Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG)
- Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera, Director General of the Assam Rifles
- Anupama Nilekar Chandra, Additional Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
These agencies, responsible for border management, counter-terrorism, and internal security, were instructed to remain in heightened operational readiness and to coordinate intelligence-sharing and deployment strategies in response to evolving threats.
Nation Poised for Decisive Action
With a coordinated military, diplomatic, and political response unfolding, all indications suggest that India is preparing for a firm and calibrated retaliation.
The country remains on high alert as PM Modi and his senior leadership deliberate over the next steps. The message from the government is clear: India will not tolerate terrorism on its soil or sponsored from across the border, and it is willing to act decisively to safeguard its sovereignty and citizens.