By Kavita Mistry 
Last Updated:
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, there have been calls for a “strong retaliation” but the timing and nature of the response remain under speculation
PM Narendra Modi holds meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, CDS General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, in New Delhi. (Image: PMO/PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held a series of high-level meetings at his official residence over the past week, signalling potential decisive action following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
The meetings included the three service chiefs, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), National Security Adviser (NSA), and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, followed by individual discussions with the service chiefs. Modi’s resolve to punish the perpetrators, coupled with Singh’s remarks that “things will happen as you (people) wish”, suggests that India is preparing for a strong response.
Following the deadly terror strike, which claimed 26 lives, there have been calls for a “strong retaliation” but the timing and nature of the response remain under speculation.
In the high-level meeting held on April 29, attended by all three service chiefs, CDS, NSA, and the defence minister, the Prime Minister reportedly granted the armed forces “operational freedom” to choose the mode, timing, and target of retaliation. This was not the end, as ongoing discussions followed, with him meeting each service chief separately.
Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi met with the President on April 30, spending more than an hour at her residence. Similarly, naval chief Admiral DK Tripathi met the PM on May 3, while air force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh was with him on May 4.
The details of these closed-door meetings will remain undisclosed until the participants choose to speak. But, there is much speculation that “operational preparedness” was a key focus, with discussions likely covering current operations and intelligence gathering shared with Modi.
While Pakistan is anticipating kinetic action and issuing nuclear threats, India’s citizens are also expecting decisive measures though the timing remains uncertain. Rajnath Singh reignited the speculation by saying: “It is my duty to give a befitting reply to those who cast an evil eye on the country, along with my army. You all know our Prime Minister Narendra Modi very well. You are well aware of his efficiency and determination. You are also aware of the way he has learnt to take risks in his life.”
He added: “I want to assure you that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, things will happen as you wish (jaisa aap chahte hain waisa ab hokar rahega).”
After Singh made this statement at an event, it is widely believed that action is imminent. Whether it will involve military action or happen soon remains to be seen.
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