Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired a crucial high-level security meeting in the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead.
During the meeting, PM Modi gave the Indian armed forces full operational freedom to determine the timing, method, and targets of the country’s response to the attack, which has been linked to Pakistan-backed terror networks.
According to officials cited by PTI, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism, declaring, “It is our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.”
The meeting was attended by key members of India’s national security leadership, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
In a stern message, PM Modi vowed that those responsible for the heinous act, along with their sponsors, would be pursued relentlessly, even to the “ends of the earth,” and face consequences “beyond their imagination.” His remarks have triggered expectations of a bold and forceful military or diplomatic response, similar to earlier actions taken under his leadership.
Following the 2016 Uri attack, India carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control. In 2019, after the Pulwama bombing that killed 40 CRPF personnel, the Indian Air Force conducted air strikes on terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan.
A day before Tuesday’s security meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had met with PM Modi at his official residence, following a detailed briefing from General Chauhan on the evolving situation and strategic options available.
The recent Pahalgam attack, one of the most devastating since Pulwama, triggered immediate political and military responses.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened soon after the incident and took several measures, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan — a symbolic but significant diplomatic move intended to increase pressure on Islamabad for harboring terror groups.
Officials stated that the attack was a deliberate attempt to destabilize the growing peace and economic progress in Jammu and Kashmir, especially after the successful conduct of recent local elections.
In response, Pakistan has reportedly retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft — a move seen as a sign of escalating tensions between the two countries.