Reaffirming India’s strong stance against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that it is the country’s “national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.” He made it clear that the Indian armed forces enjoy his full confidence and have been granted “complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing” of India’s response following last week’s deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people.
This decisive statement came during a high-level security meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence on Tuesday. Those present included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Force Chief Air Marshal A.P. Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi. Sources indicated that this gathering took place just one day before the Prime Minister is set to lead a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security. This will be the second such meeting convened following the Pahalgam tragedy.
The recent meeting followed a series of diplomatic actions initiated by India in response to the attack. Officials believe that Pakistan played a role in orchestrating the assault. As a result, India announced several measures including the suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals and a temporary halt to the Indus Water Treaty. The presence of the Defence Minister, NSA, CDS, and the chiefs of all three military services at Tuesday’s meeting strongly signals that military retaliation is being contemplated alongside the diplomatic steps.
“Prime Minister Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces,” said a government source. The source further emphasized that Modi had assured the military of their authority to choose how and when to respond. “He added that they [the armed forces] have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response,” the source reiterated.
While preparations are being made at the highest levels of government, military activity on the ground has already intensified. According to defence officials, intelligence-based counter-terror operations are continuing in the Kashmir Valley. These are aimed at preemptively targeting terror networks believed to be operating in the region. At the same time, Cease-Fire Violations (CFVs) by Pakistan have been reported for five consecutive nights along the Line of Control.
“During the night of April 28-29, Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms firing across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara and Baramulla districts, as well as the Akhnoor sector,” the Army said in a statement. It added that “Indian Army responded in a measured and effective manner to the provocation.”
In addition to military discussions, coordination among internal security forces has also been stepped up. On Tuesday, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a security meeting in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by the Director Generals of the Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles, and the National Security Guard (NSG), as well as senior officers from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). While the specific agenda of the meeting was not disclosed, a senior government official said that security forces were instructed to remain on high alert, particularly at national borders, and to maintain maximum vigilance.
The broader context of this flurry of high-level activity is India’s strategic and assertive shift in counterterrorism policy. The attack in Pahalgam, widely seen as one of the most brutal assaults in recent times, has galvanized political and military leadership. The targeting of civilians in such a brazen manner has added urgency to India’s response planning. While the immediate diplomatic steps signal India’s disapproval of Pakistan’s alleged involvement, the military dimension is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the country’s response posture.
The fact that Prime Minister Modi has granted operational autonomy to the armed forces reflects a significant level of trust in military leadership. By allowing the services to determine the specifics of any retaliation—whether it be through targeted airstrikes, cross-border operations, or covert measures—the Prime Minister is signaling both flexibility and strength. The message is clear: India will not remain passive in the face of terrorism.
The continued firing incidents along the Line of Control further compound tensions in the region. These nightly exchanges of gunfire not only risk escalation but also jeopardize the lives of both soldiers and civilians living near the border. India’s response to these provocations has so far been “measured and effective,” as described by the Army. However, it remains to be seen how long restraint will prevail, especially if CFVs continue.
Meanwhile, intelligence agencies are working closely with military and paramilitary forces to identify the planners and perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack. Efforts are also being made to dismantle terror infrastructure and cut off logistical support within Kashmir and across the border. Defence sources confirmed that counter-terror operations are targeting identified sleeper cells and hideouts based on real-time intelligence inputs.
The participation of multiple security agencies in the Home Secretary’s meeting suggests an integrated approach to both border management and internal security. By bringing together leaders of paramilitary forces that operate across different terrains—from border outposts to urban centers—the government aims to ensure seamless coordination and readiness in the event of further threats.
Ultimately, the developments following the Pahalgam attack demonstrate a calibrated, multi-pronged approach by India. While diplomatic pressure is being exerted through international and bilateral channels, military preparedness has reached a heightened level. The decisions made in the coming days, including those emerging from the Cabinet Committee on Security, will likely determine the nature and intensity of India’s next steps.
What remains undeniable is the clarity of intent expressed by the Prime Minister. His statement, “complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response,” sets a strong precedent and leaves little ambiguity about India’s resolve to strike back. With tensions simmering along the LoC and security forces on high alert across the nation, the coming days will be crucial in defining both the immediate and long-term trajectory of India’s counter-terror strategy.