Modi Holds High-Level Strategic Meetings Amid Rising Tensions Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

In the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has convened a series of high-level meetings at his official residence, strongly indicating that a decisive response may be imminent.

Over the past week, the Prime Minister has met with the three service chiefs, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), National Security Adviser (NSA), and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. These collective deliberations were subsequently followed by one-on-one meetings with each of the service chiefs, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The discussions come in the backdrop of Defence Minister Singh’s assertive public statement that “things will happen as you (people) wish," a remark that further fuels expectations of a robust Indian response.

The terror strike in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, has intensified public and political demands for a forceful retaliatory action. However, the precise timing and nature of any response remain a matter of strategic discretion.

In a pivotal meeting on April 29 attended by the CDS, NSA, Defence Minister, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Prime Minister reportedly granted the armed forces full “operational freedom” to determine the mode, timing, and target of any counteraction. Subsequent meetings suggest continued strategic deliberation. Notably, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi met with President Droupadi Murmu on April 30, reportedly spending over an hour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Naval Chief Admiral DK Tripathi held discussions with the Prime Minister on May 3, followed by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on May 4.

While the specifics of these closed-door meetings remain undisclosed, informed speculation suggests that “operational preparedness” was a central theme. Intelligence updates, strategic assessments, and contingency planning are believed to have formed the core of the dialogue between the Prime Minister and military leadership.

Amid heightened tensions, Pakistan has reacted with predictable rhetoric, including veiled nuclear threats. Domestically, however, the sentiment is one of expectation—with citizens anticipating a firm and calculated response from the Indian establishment.

Reinforcing this sentiment, Defence Minister Singh stated, “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).”

While the government has not confirmed the specifics of any planned action, the cumulative developments over the past week suggest that preparations are well underway. Whether this response will take a military form—and when—is a matter of strategic timing.