PM grants forces 'full operational freedom' after Pahalgam attack meeting
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a crucial security meeting at his New Delhi residence on Tuesday.
He has given the armed forces the complete freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, reported NDTV, citing sources.
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Chief of Air Staff Amar Preet Singh were among those present.
Details
Greenlight to military action
The PM also "reaffirmed that it is our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism" and that he has complete faith and confidence in the Indian military.
Home Minister Amit Shah and Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, reached the residence shortly after the meeting.
According to NDTV sources, the message authorizes military action against the terrorists who killed 26 people, the majority of whom were civilians.
Follow-up
CCS to convene tomorrow for national security
The meeting was held a day before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the government's top decision-making body on national security, meets for the second time in a week.
This will be followed by another meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), NDTV reported.
The committee includes Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Health Minister JP Nadda.
Following the CCS and CCPA, the Economic Affairs Committee will also meet.
Diplomatic measures
India revokes visas for Pakistani nationals
Since the Pahalgam attack on April 22, India has implemented various diplomatic actions in response to the terror attack and Pakistan's sustained sponsorship of cross-border terrorism.
In the first round of responses, Delhi canceled all visas granted to Pakistani nationals, excluding Pakistani Hindus and those with long-term stay approvals. Medical visas were also canceled.
Consequently, all notified visas granted to Pakistani nationals lapsed on April 27, resulting in a heavy exodus at border crossings, including the Attari-Wagah checkpoint.
Treaty suspension
India suspends Indus Waters Treaty amid diplomatic tensions
As part of further diplomatic restrictions on Pakistan, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a vital water-sharing agreement that supplies Pakistan nearly 85% of its water supply.
This has incited strong reactions from Islamabad, which has called it "an act of war."
In retaliation, Pakistan has revoked all visas for Indian nationals and expelled hundreds from its territory.