Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of crucial meetings this evening as India prepared its response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. In a significant development, Russia has extended "full support" to India in its fight against terrorism.
Here are the top 10 points from this unfolding story:
- Russia Condemns Terror Attack: Russian President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today to strongly condemn the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. He also offered Russia's "full support" to India in its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.
- Key Officials Meet PM Modi: This evening, PM Modi met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Home Secretary, and several other senior officials at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
- Discussion on Combat Readiness: One of the key meetings focused on the combat readiness of the Indian armed forces. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh briefed PM Modi on the preparedness of the military, sources revealed.
- Meeting with Air Chief: The meeting with Defence Secretary came a day after Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the Chief of Air Staff, briefed the Prime Minister on the situation and the armed forces’ response options.
- Navy Chief’s Briefing: On Saturday, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi also briefed the Prime Minister on the strategic situation in the critical sea lanes of the Arabian Sea.
- Complete Operational Freedom for Armed Forces: In an earlier meeting with the chiefs of the armed forces, PM Modi granted them "complete operational freedom." This included allowing them to determine the mode, targets, and timing of any response to the Pahalgam attack.
- Home Ministry Orders Mock Drills: The Union Home Ministry has issued directives to several states to conduct full-scale civil defence mock drills. These drills will involve the activation of air raid warning sirens, a key component in enhancing national preparedness.
- India’s Initial Non-Military Response: Following the April 22 attack, in which 26 people were killed in Pahalgam, India took swift non-military actions. These included freezing the Indus Water Treaty, closing the Attari border, and cancelling the visas of Pakistani nationals.
- Defence Minister’s Statement: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hinted at additional measures, stating, "As the defence minister, it is my responsibility to give a befitting reply, by working with the armed forces, to those who cast an evil eye on our country."
- Terrorists Identified: India has identified the five terrorists responsible for the massacre, three of whom are Pakistani nationals.
As India braces for further developments, these actions reflect the nation’s resolve to address the terrorism threat and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
Also Read: Centre orders security drills in states amid J&K tensions
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