Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, asserted that the Indian armed forces have been given “complete operational freedom” to determine the mode, targets, and timing of India’s response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists.
Chairing a high-level meeting with top defence officials, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, PM Modi reiterated the national resolve to crush terrorism in all its forms.
Government sources quoted Modi as saying, “They (the armed forces) have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response.” He also expressed full faith in the professionalism and capability of the Indian defence forces to handle the situation.
The meeting came as the country mourns the most brutal terror attack on civilians in recent years, which occurred in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22. Modi had earlier vowed to track down the terrorists and their sponsors “to the ends of the earth,” hinting at Pakistan’s long-standing support for terror outfits operating against India.
India has already begun responding diplomatically and strategically, including putting the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in abeyance.
Meanwhile, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a separate high-level meeting with the chiefs of paramilitary forces, including DGs of the BSF, NSG, Assam Rifles, and senior officers from the SSB and other agencies. The meeting, held amid heightened national security concerns, focused on counter-terror preparedness and border management.
The Home Secretary also held a video conference with Chief Secretaries of all states, instructing them to ensure the timely departure of Pakistani nationals whose visas have been revoked.
In another significant development, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat met with PM Modi, reportedly in connection with the attack. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, considered the ideological backbone of the BJP, has been vocal on national security issues.
PM Modi also held a separate meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, who has been leading intensive security reviews and anti-terror initiatives since the attack.
With national sentiment running high and the government’s record of decisive military responses — such as the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes — expectations are mounting for a strong and strategic retaliation.
