In a strong message following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the Indian armed forces full operational freedom to determine the nature, targets, and timing of India’s response. The Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives—most of them tourists—has prompted a comprehensive national security review at the highest level, reaffirming India’s unwavering resolve to combat terrorism with decisive force.
At a high-level meeting held on Tuesday at the Prime Minister’s residence, PM Modi chaired discussions with key security and defence officials, including 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. The Prime Minister declared that it is India’s “national resolve to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism,” emphasising that the armed forces are free to choose the mode of response as per their professional judgment.
Clear Message to Enemies of the Nation
Sources present at the meeting noted that the Prime Minister expressed full faith in the professionalism and capability of the armed forces, stating that they are entrusted with complete operational autonomy. He reiterated that the punishment meted out to the perpetrators and their supporters, particularly Pakistan, would be “beyond their imagination.”
This is not the first time India has responded with strength in the face of cross-border terrorism. Following the Uri attack in 2016 and the Pulwama tragedy in 2019, the Modi government had authorised surgical strikes and the Balakot airstrike, respectively. This latest directive echoes a consistent policy of zero tolerance for terrorism.
Diplomatic and Strategic Countermeasures Underway
India has already begun taking concrete diplomatic actions against Pakistan, which is believed to be behind the Pahalgam attack. The government has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and cancelled visas issued to Pakistani nationals. These measures are seen as part of a larger strategy to apply diplomatic, economic, and military pressure on Islamabad.
Meanwhile, internal security preparations have been heightened. On the same day, Home Secretary Govind Mohan convened a separate high-level meeting with the Director Generals of the Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, National Security Guard, Central Reserve Police Force, and Central Industrial Security Force. Though the specific agenda was not made public, sources suggest that security agencies have been asked to maintain the highest level of alert along the borders and across sensitive zones in the country.
Tensions Rise Along the Line of Control
As India reviews its response options, there has been a noticeable increase in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control. Defence sources confirmed that on the night of April 28–29, Pakistani forces resorted to unprovoked small arms fire in multiple sectors, including Kupwara, Baramulla, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army responded with “measured and effective” retaliatory fire.
Despite the escalation, intelligence-based counterterrorism operations are continuing in Kashmir, focusing on dismantling the network of militants and their logistical support systems. The government has reiterated its commitment to not only punish those responsible for the Pahalgam attack but also to prevent any future incidents through proactive surveillance and intelligence gathering.
As the nation mourns the victims of the attack, a unified message from New Delhi makes it clear: those who sponsor or support terrorism against India will face consequences they cannot anticipate. The country is determined to safeguard its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens, with all necessary means at its disposal.
