Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the armed forces full authority to ‘decide on the mode, targets, and timing' to respond to the Pahalgam terror attack, according to sources speaking to NDTV on Tuesday night. This directive was issued during a high-level meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. According to sources, the Prime Minister reiterated India's firm commitment to combat terrorism decisively and expressed his full trust in the armed forces' capabilities. Soon after the high-level meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah and RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) chief Mohan Bhagwat, the ideological guide of the ruling BJP, arrived at the Prime Minister's residence.

According to sources, the Prime Minister’s directive gives the go-ahead for military operations targeting those responsible for the Pahalgam attack, which left 26 people dead, most of them civilians, the deadliest attack since Pulwama in 2019. Following that incident, India carried out targeted airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camps in Balakot, Pakistan, which were reportedly operating with the support of the Pakistani military.

Six years later, another known Pakistan-based terror outfit, Lashkar-e-Taiba, has been connected to the recent attack. A front group called The Resistance Front has claimed responsibility. Security officials have also indicated that the evidence collected so far once again points to Pakistan’s involvement. Diplomats from countries such as the US, Russia, China, Japan and several other European nations have been informed of the findings. In response, the Indian government has already imposed several diplomatic measures against Pakistan.

In its initial response, the Indian government cancelled visas for Pakistani nationals, except for Pakistani Hindus and those with long-term residency permits. Medical visas were also withdrawn. All existing visas for Pakistani citizens expired on Sunday, April 27, causing large crowds at border points like the Attari-Wagah crossing.

Since the visa revocation was announced last Thursday, around 1,000 Pakistani nationals have exited India. Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed state chief ministers to implement the directive fully. In addition, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a vital agreement that allows Pakistan access to nearly 85% of shared river waters, as part of its wider diplomatic measures. Pakistan reacted angrily to the suspension of the IWT, which was signed in 1960, describing it as "an act of war". In response, Islamabad cancelled all visas issued to Indian citizens and expelled hundreds of them.

Pakistan has suspended visas and put several bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, on hold. Following these moves, a senior defence official warned about a probable conflict with India. Regarding Geo News, whose YouTube broadcasts are blocked in India, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the coming days would be critical.

In his initial public response to the Pahalgam attack, the Prime Minister pledged retaliation and made it clear that his government would not let terrorism achieve its goals. PM stated, "The time has come to raze whatever is left of the terror haven. The will of 140 crores will break the back of the masters of terror," comments that were widely interpreted as being aimed at Pakistan. Since then, he has issued several firm warnings, stating that India will not be intimidated by terror and will ensure that everyone involved in planning the brutal attack is brought to justice.