Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today declared that the armed forces have been granted "complete operational freedom" to determine the mode, targets, and timing of India's response following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

At a high-level security meeting held at his 7 Lok Kalyan Marg residence, the Prime Minister affirmed that "it is our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism," according to officials.

This meeting, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs, was convened ahead of a crucial Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

The high-level meeting strongly indicated that India is seriously considering military action in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi had emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We have very little time and very big goals."

Wednesday's CCS meeting will be the second such meeting within a week, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The CCS is the highest decision-making body in India concerning security, defense, and strategic matters.

The upcoming meeting will be attended by key cabinet members including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Principal Secretaries to the PM, the Cabinet Secretary, and other top officials.