PM Modi Grants Armed Forces Full Operational Freedom for Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack

New Delhi, April 30: Amid mounting public and political calls for retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly given the armed forces complete operational freedom to determine the timing, targets, and mode of response to Pakistan.

At a high-level security meeting held in New Delhi, the Prime Minister conveyed his full trust in the capabilities of India’s military leadership. The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Following the security review, PM Modi also met Home Minister Amit Shah and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, who had recently stated that “dharma” demands India punish those responsible for the heinous attack.

The Prime Minister chaired the second meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) since the incident. This meeting coincides with scheduled sessions of other key bodies, including the Cabinet Committees on Political and Economic Affairs and the full Union Cabinet—signalling a message of national readiness and strategic focus.

Earlier in the day, during an address at an education conclave, PM Modi made a remark that raised eyebrows: “Samay seemit hai, lakshya bade hain” (Time is limited, the goals are big). Although he quickly clarified, “I’m not speaking about the current situation,” speculation of an imminent response continued to build.

Sources said Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan also held a separate meeting with military leadership to review preparedness and internal security measures.

With anticipation rising and both strategic and political circles abuzz, all eyes are now on the government’s next move in the wake of one of the deadliest attacks in recent memory.