India is preparing a strong response to what it calls Pakistan-sponsored terrorism following the killing of 26 tourists in a deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
According to Indian media, two powerful cabinet committees — the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) — held back-to-back meetings on Wednesday to discuss both strategic and political steps in the aftermath of the attack.
The CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was the second such high-level session since the April 22 terror attack.
Officials briefed the committee on clear cross-border linkages of the attack, suggesting it was an attempt to derail progress in Jammu and Kashmir, disrupt elections, and cripple the region’s economy by targeting tourism.
In its first meeting, the CCS had already taken bold steps, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty — a landmark agreement between India and Pakistan. This latest meeting further explored India’s options, both militarily and diplomatically, the Indian media reported.
Immediately following the CCS session, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs met to address the opposition’s demand for a special session of Parliament.
Leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had urged the government to convene Parliament to demonstrate a united political front against terrorism.
Prime Minister Modi later held a closed-door meeting with key Union ministers, briefing them on the day’s discussions and reportedly stating that India is committed to delivering a “crushing blow” to terrorism.
He also expressed full confidence in the capabilities of the Indian armed forces.
