New Delhi: In a significant show of determination, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a crucial meeting with the nations top military leaders, emphasizing the governments unwavering commitment to combating terrorism. During this high-stakes discussion, Modi declared that delivering a decisive blow to terrorism is a fundamental national resolve. To that end, he granted the armed forces complete operational freedom, empowering them to choose the method, targets, and timing of their responses to terrorist threats.

This directive comes in the wake of a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which has intensified the ongoing discourse around national security and counter-terrorism strategies. The Indian government is currently assessing a range of military options aimed at neutralizing not only the terrorists themselves but also their facilitators and planners who operate from Pakistan. The intent behind these military considerations is to send an unequivocal message to both Pakistan and terrorist organizations that such violent actions will face serious repercussions.

Among the potential military strategies being evaluated are operations targeting the leadership of well-known Pakistan-based terrorist groups, particularly Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is suspected of orchestrating the Pahalgam attack. Options also include strikes against training camps situated in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan itself, as well as against terror launch pads positioned near the Line of Control (LoC). The military's operational plans can vary significantly; the 'mode' of these operations could range from shallow strikeswhich may involve precise strikes on launch padsto much deeper incursions. The latter could potentially include long-range missile attacks and aerial bombings targeting the leadership of terrorist organizations deep within enemy territory.

During the meeting, which took place on a recent Tuesday, Modi was joined by key figures from the Indian military, including the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Chief of Defence Staff, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. This collaborative effort aimed to assess the current security landscape and ensure that the armed forces are fully prepared for any necessary actions that may follow. Furthermore, in a bid to solidify strategic decisions, a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security is scheduled for Wednesday morning, where top officials will deliberate further on the unfolding situation and potential military responses.