Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held a series of high-level meetings amid growing national tension and speculation over India’s possible military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. As pressure mounts following the deadliest attack since Pulwama in 2019, the focus has shifted sharply to India’s strategic and diplomatic options, with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval at the center of deliberations.
Security Drills and Strategic Briefings Intensify
On Tuesday, PM Modi met NSA Doval for the second time in 48 hours to assess the ongoing situation. The meeting came just a day before state governments are scheduled to conduct full-scale mock security drills—something not seen since the 1971 Indo-Pak war. These drills are intended to prepare for any potential escalation and ensure civil defence readiness.
Over the past week, PM Modi has also conferred with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force chiefs. During these consultations, the Prime Minister reportedly gave India’s armed forces full autonomy to determine the timing and manner of any retaliatory strike against the perpetrators—primarily the Lashkar-e-Taiba, whose proxy group, The Resistance Front, claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack.
Diplomatic Fallout and Indus Treaty Suspension
Delhi has accused Pakistan’s “deep state” of backing the attack, alleging fresh proof of its involvement. While Islamabad has denied the charges and called for an independent international investigation, it has found little support in the global community. At a closed-door session of the UN Security Council, Pakistan faced tough questions over Lashkar’s role and the targeting of civilians and tourists.
In response, India has taken significant diplomatic steps—revoking visas for Pakistani nationals and suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. The treaty’s suspension marks a critical move, as the rivers it covers irrigate nearly 80% of Pakistan’s farmland. India has now begun increasing water storage and initiating new dam and hydroelectric projects, actions that could significantly affect Pakistan’s water supply.
Islamabad, in turn, suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement and halted visa processing for Indians. Both nations have shut border crossings and airspaces, while unprovoked firing across the Line of Control has continued for 12 consecutive days.
Despite international calls for de-escalation, the region remains on edge as India considers its next steps while trying to demonstrate that it has pursued all peaceful avenues before resorting to military measures.
