PM Modi Holds Security Talks With Three Service Chiefs As India Repels Worst Pakistan Escalation In Decades

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force once again on Friday, amid escalating tensions with Pakistan-the most severe in nearly thirty years.

On Wednesday, India launched air strikes under Operation Sindoor, targeting what it described as "terrorist infrastructure" within Pakistan, in retaliation for a deadly assault on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, two weeks prior. The attack claimed the lives of 26 individuals.

Photo Credit: PTI

In retaliation, Pakistan's armed forces launched a series of drone and munition-based strikes across the entire western border during the night of 8-9 May. However, the Indian Army reported that these attacks were "effectively repelled."

Defence officials highlighted the vital role played by the indigenously developed Akash surface-to-air missile system in intercepting Pakistani drone attacks on Thursday.

Both the Indian Army and Air Force have deployed the Akash system along the Pakistan border to bolster defence preparedness.

"On the intervening night of 8 and 9 May, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple drone and munition attacks across the Western Border. Additionally, there were numerous ceasefire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The drone threats were neutralised effectively, and a strong response was given to the CFVs. The Indian Army remains steadfast in defending the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. All hostile actions will be met with force," stated the Army.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted a thorough assessment of the national security landscape with senior military officials, a day after India successfully countered Pakistani attempts to target its military infrastructure.

In a related move, the central government has granted the Army Chief authority to mobilise "every officer and every enrolled person" in the Territorial Army (TA) for critical security duties or to reinforce the regular Army.

Additionally, all state governments have been directed to grant emergency procurement powers to the heads of civil defence authorities, enabling them to procure necessary equipment and supplies swiftly in the event of a crisis.