In the aftermath of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will convene the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) today. This committee, often referred to as the "Super Cabinet," plays a central role in shaping India's political and economic strategies. The meeting underscores the gravity of the situation and the government's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the attack.
The CCPA, chaired by the Prime Minister, includes key ministers such as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Their collective expertise is vital in formulating a comprehensive response to the current crisis.
The Pahalgam Tragedy: A Nation in Mourning
On April 22, 2025, a serene day in Pahalgam turned into a nightmare when four militants opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran meadow, resulting in 26 fatalities and numerous injuries. A tourist, Rishi Bhatt, inadvertently captured the harrowing incident on video while ziplining over the area. The footage, now widely circulated, shows the sudden eruption of gunfire and the ensuing chaos as people fled for their lives.
The attackers reportedly targeted individuals based on their religion, asking victims about their faith before opening fire. This heinous act has not only shaken the nation but also intensified the already strained relations between India and Pakistan.
Also Read: The groundwork before India mounts a strike at Pakistan
India's strategic response: Military and diplomatic measures
In response to the attack, Prime Minister Modi has granted the armed forces "complete freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing" of India's military response. This decision reflects the government's resolve to take decisive action against those responsible.
Concurrently, India has initiated several non-military measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari border, and canceling visas. These steps aim to exert diplomatic pressure and signal India's intolerance for cross-border terrorism.
Also Read: Pakistani terrorist behind deadly Pahalgam attack is former para commando, probe finds
Military response seen as imminent
The pattern mirrors India’s previous retaliations. In 2016, the surgical strike in Uri was carried out ten days after the terror attack. A similar delay followed Pulwama in 2019 before the Balakot airstrike. Given current preparations and statements by senior ministers, a retaliatory move is seen as a matter of “when, not if”.
India’s military has been put on high alert across border zones, and reconnaissance is underway. Security agencies have also ramped up surveillance in J&K, anticipating further attempts to disrupt the region’s stability.
Within days of the Pahalgam attack, India launched a focused diplomatic campaign to build international support. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed diplomats from over 25 countries, including G20 nations and Gulf states. He outlined India's zero-tolerance stance on cross-border terrorism and linked the attack to the 2008 Mumbai attacks in terms of scale.
India has reportedly received messages of solidarity from more than 130 countries. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and PM Modi have personally spoken to world leaders to build consensus. According to The New York Times, this outreach is not aimed at de-escalation, but at laying the groundwork for military action. "New Delhi appears to be building a case for military action against its neighbour and archenemy," the report said.
The government has also taken domestic steps to ensure political consensus. An all-party meeting was convened in Parliament. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, speaking after the meeting, said, "All parties condemned the terrorist attack and offered full support to the government." AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who joined the meeting after a direct call from Home Minister Amit Shah, said the government should take decisive action.
The briefing aimed to foster national unity and avoid political divisions ahead of any potential strike. PM Modi has sought to maintain continuity with past precedents, where bipartisan support was crucial before surgical actions.
Preliminary evidence points to Pakistan-based terror cell
Intelligence agencies have named several suspects linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. One of the identified attackers, Hashim Musa, is a former para commando of Pakistan’s Special Forces, now working with LeT. Multiple mobile phone videos from tourists captured visuals of the attack, aiding identification efforts. Authorities have also confirmed the involvement of at least 15 local overground workers who may have facilitated logistics and weapons supply.
The government believes this level of detail provides sufficient preliminary proof to rally international backing and proceed with a carefully calibrated response.
Timing of India’s strike to be strategically chosen
While domestic pressure for a swift response is mounting, military sources say the strike will be launched only after full readiness and strategic alignment. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India’s forces are “ready for any action”. High-level meetings between PM Modi, NSA Ajit Doval, and top generals continue at pace.
A week has passed since the attack. If the pattern of past retaliatory strikes holds, a window of action may be approaching. But the government is likely to strike only when maximum impact and minimum risk can be ensured.
Pakistan's internal struggles: A military in crisis
While India grapples with the aftermath of the attack, Pakistan faces its own internal challenges. The Pakistani military, under General Asim Munir, is reportedly experiencing low morale and public dissent due to its involvement in political affairs and the rising insurgency within the country. Rumours of mass resignations and desertions have surfaced, although official sources have dismissed these claims as baseless.
The political landscape in Pakistan has been further destabilised by the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, leading to widespread protests and a significant erosion of public trust in the military establishment. This internal turmoil could impact Pakistan's ability to respond effectively to the escalating tensions with India.
As the CCPA convenes, the decisions made will be pivotal in shaping India's trajectory in the coming weeks. Balancing the need for a strong response with the imperative to avoid further escalation will be a delicate task. The government's actions will not only influence domestic sentiment but also have far-reaching implications for regional stability and international relations.
The nation watches closely as its leaders deliberate on the path forward, hoping for a resolution that ensures justice for the victims and a lasting peace in the region.
Also Read: UK backs India’s right to hunt down terrorists; MP calls it ‘a systematic attack on Hindus and Christians’
The CCPA, chaired by the Prime Minister, includes key ministers such as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Their collective expertise is vital in formulating a comprehensive response to the current crisis.
The Pahalgam Tragedy: A Nation in Mourning
On April 22, 2025, a serene day in Pahalgam turned into a nightmare when four militants opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran meadow, resulting in 26 fatalities and numerous injuries. A tourist, Rishi Bhatt, inadvertently captured the harrowing incident on video while ziplining over the area. The footage, now widely circulated, shows the sudden eruption of gunfire and the ensuing chaos as people fled for their lives.
The attackers reportedly targeted individuals based on their religion, asking victims about their faith before opening fire. This heinous act has not only shaken the nation but also intensified the already strained relations between India and Pakistan.
Also Read: The groundwork before India mounts a strike at Pakistan
India's strategic response: Military and diplomatic measures
In response to the attack, Prime Minister Modi has granted the armed forces "complete freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing" of India's military response. This decision reflects the government's resolve to take decisive action against those responsible.
Concurrently, India has initiated several non-military measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari border, and canceling visas. These steps aim to exert diplomatic pressure and signal India's intolerance for cross-border terrorism.
Also Read: Pakistani terrorist behind deadly Pahalgam attack is former para commando, probe finds
Military response seen as imminent
The pattern mirrors India’s previous retaliations. In 2016, the surgical strike in Uri was carried out ten days after the terror attack. A similar delay followed Pulwama in 2019 before the Balakot airstrike. Given current preparations and statements by senior ministers, a retaliatory move is seen as a matter of “when, not if”.
India’s military has been put on high alert across border zones, and reconnaissance is underway. Security agencies have also ramped up surveillance in J&K, anticipating further attempts to disrupt the region’s stability.
Within days of the Pahalgam attack, India launched a focused diplomatic campaign to build international support. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed diplomats from over 25 countries, including G20 nations and Gulf states. He outlined India's zero-tolerance stance on cross-border terrorism and linked the attack to the 2008 Mumbai attacks in terms of scale.
India has reportedly received messages of solidarity from more than 130 countries. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and PM Modi have personally spoken to world leaders to build consensus. According to The New York Times, this outreach is not aimed at de-escalation, but at laying the groundwork for military action. "New Delhi appears to be building a case for military action against its neighbour and archenemy," the report said.
The government has also taken domestic steps to ensure political consensus. An all-party meeting was convened in Parliament. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, speaking after the meeting, said, "All parties condemned the terrorist attack and offered full support to the government." AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who joined the meeting after a direct call from Home Minister Amit Shah, said the government should take decisive action.
The briefing aimed to foster national unity and avoid political divisions ahead of any potential strike. PM Modi has sought to maintain continuity with past precedents, where bipartisan support was crucial before surgical actions.
Preliminary evidence points to Pakistan-based terror cell
Intelligence agencies have named several suspects linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. One of the identified attackers, Hashim Musa, is a former para commando of Pakistan’s Special Forces, now working with LeT. Multiple mobile phone videos from tourists captured visuals of the attack, aiding identification efforts. Authorities have also confirmed the involvement of at least 15 local overground workers who may have facilitated logistics and weapons supply.
The government believes this level of detail provides sufficient preliminary proof to rally international backing and proceed with a carefully calibrated response.
Timing of India’s strike to be strategically chosen
While domestic pressure for a swift response is mounting, military sources say the strike will be launched only after full readiness and strategic alignment. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India’s forces are “ready for any action”. High-level meetings between PM Modi, NSA Ajit Doval, and top generals continue at pace.
A week has passed since the attack. If the pattern of past retaliatory strikes holds, a window of action may be approaching. But the government is likely to strike only when maximum impact and minimum risk can be ensured.
Pakistan's internal struggles: A military in crisis
While India grapples with the aftermath of the attack, Pakistan faces its own internal challenges. The Pakistani military, under General Asim Munir, is reportedly experiencing low morale and public dissent due to its involvement in political affairs and the rising insurgency within the country. Rumours of mass resignations and desertions have surfaced, although official sources have dismissed these claims as baseless.
The political landscape in Pakistan has been further destabilised by the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, leading to widespread protests and a significant erosion of public trust in the military establishment. This internal turmoil could impact Pakistan's ability to respond effectively to the escalating tensions with India.
As the CCPA convenes, the decisions made will be pivotal in shaping India's trajectory in the coming weeks. Balancing the need for a strong response with the imperative to avoid further escalation will be a delicate task. The government's actions will not only influence domestic sentiment but also have far-reaching implications for regional stability and international relations.
The nation watches closely as its leaders deliberate on the path forward, hoping for a resolution that ensures justice for the victims and a lasting peace in the region.
Also Read: UK backs India’s right to hunt down terrorists; MP calls it ‘a systematic attack on Hindus and Christians’
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