PM Modi Grants Armed Forces Full Freedom to Respond After Deadly Pahalgam Attack

In a strong response to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the Indian Armed Forces complete operational freedom to act against those responsible. The directive came during a high-level meeting held at the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The 90-minute strategic meeting included key security leaders—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. Government sources revealed that PM Modi emphasized delivering a “crushing blow” to terrorism and assured the military of his full confidence in their judgment, allowing them to choose the mode, timing, and targets of any retaliatory action.

The move comes ahead of a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, India’s top decision-making body on national security. The gravity of the situation has placed the country on high alert, as officials assess military options to deliver justice for the April 22 Pahalgam carnage—the deadliest attack on Indian civilians since the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

In his recent “Mann Ki Baat” address, Prime Minister Modi assured the victims’ families that justice would be swift and uncompromising. “The perpetrators and conspirators of this attack will be served with the harshest response,” he said, underscoring India's zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. He also highlighted that the global community stands with India in its battle against terrorism.

On the diplomatic front, India has initiated several strong countermeasures against Pakistan, whom it holds responsible for supporting terrorism. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the only operational land border crossing at Attari, and revoking all visas issued to Pakistani nationals. In retaliation, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian aircraft and halted all trade with India.

The Indian government’s tough posture signals a new phase in its counter-terrorism approach, giving the armed forces full authority to act decisively and protect national interests.