PM Modi's Stern message After Pahalgam Attack: 'Forces Free to Hit Back on Their Terms'

In a high-level security meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. Asserting complete trust in the Indian armed forces, Modi granted them full operational freedom to choose the timing, mode, and targets of India’s response. The meeting, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, and top military leaders, reflected the government’s serious stance on retaliating to the April 22 attack, widely believed to have been backed by Pakistan-based terror groups.

The government is reportedly weighing multiple response strategies, with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan playing a key role in the ongoing deliberations. Modi vowed that the perpetrators and their supporters—specifically hinting at Pakistan—would face punishment "beyond their imagination." This comes amid a broader strategic shift, with India already suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. The development echoes previous decisive actions such as the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrike, signaling that New Delhi may again opt for a powerful and targeted response.