At a high-level security meeting, the PM affirms that ‘it is our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism’

Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the armed forces have complete operational freedom to decide the mode, targets and timing of India’s response.

At a high-level security meeting, the PM affirmed that “it is our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism”, officials said.

Ahead of the crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday, Modi on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting with the military and security establishment to decide the next course of action against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

The meeting, at the PM’s 7 Lok Kalyan Marg residence, was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and the three service chiefs.

The meeting signalled that India is seriously contemplating military action following the terror attack.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi said, “We have very little time and very big goals.”

Wednesday’s meeting will be the second meeting of the CCS, the highest decision-making body of the country with respect to security, defence and strategic matters, within a week.

The meeting will be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Principal Secretaries to the PM, the Cabinet Secretary, and other top officials.