Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the Indian Armed Forces complete autonomy to launch an appropriate military response following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 26 civilians dead. The directive was issued during a high-level strategy meeting held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in New Delhi on Tuesday, government sources confirmed.

The 90-minute briefing was attended by key figures including 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.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister is said to have emphasized that countering terrorism remains a top national priority and that India must deliver an uncompromising response. He expressed full faith in the military leadership, assuring them they have unrestricted authority to determine the nature, targets, and timing of any retaliation.

This development precedes a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, India’s top decision-making body on matters of national defence.

On Monday, Defence Minister Singh had updated the Prime Minister on the latest security developments in Jammu and Kashmir, as defence commanders deliberated over various response strategies to the April 22 massacre — the deadliest attack on Indian civilians since the 2008 Mumbai terror strikes.

In his recent "Mann Ki Baat" address, PM Modi condemned the killings and vowed a severe response to those responsible. “The conspirators and executors of the Pahalgam attack will face the most severe consequences. The entire global community stands by the 140 crore people of India in this fight against terrorism,” he said.

In the wake of the bloodshed, India has launched a robust diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, believed to be backing the attackers. The Indian government has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, halted visa services for Pakistani nationals, and sealed the Attari border crossing.

Pakistan, in retaliation, has barred Indian aircraft from its airspace and halted bilateral trade.

Tensions between the two neighbours continue to rise, with India signalling a firm stance against cross-border terrorism and those who sponsor it.