PM Modi’s High-Level Meet Plans Pakistan Response: Who Attended the PMO Talks?

Strategic Talks Amid Tensions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in New Delhi to strategize India’s response to Pakistan’s alleged role in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. The closed-door session, prompted by 11 consecutive nights of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), focused on countering cross-border terrorism and reinforcing national security. With India having suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and initiated hydropower projects, the meeting aimed to align military and diplomatic efforts to address the escalating crisis.

Key Attendees in the PMO
The meeting saw the presence of top security and administrative officials' presence, reflecting the situation's gravity. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who briefed Modi on military preparedness, was a central figure. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, known for shaping India’s security strategy, provided insights on counter-terrorism measures. Home Secretary Govind Mohan attended, focusing on internal security coordination. Other senior PMO officials, including Principal Secretary to the PM P.K. Mishra, were present, ensuring a comprehensive approach. Unlike prior meetings, the absence of armed forces chiefs suggests a focus on policy and strategic oversight rather than operational details.

Context of India’s Response
The Pahalgam attack, claimed by the Pakistan-linked Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, triggered a series of Indian actions, including banning Pakistani imports, closing the Attari border, and granting the armed forces “complete operational freedom.” The PMO talks likely evaluated these measures’ impact and explored further options, such as leveraging hydropower projects to pressure Pakistan’s water-dependent economy. Modi’s recent engagements with the Air Force and Navy chiefs indicate a multi-dimensional strategy, with the Defence Secretary’s role pivotal in coordinating responses.

India Strategizes Against Pakistan in PMO Meet
The meeting underscores India’s intent to deliver a “firm and decisive” response, as Modi vowed during a joint press conference with Angola’s President. International calls for restraint from the U.S., Russia, and the EU highlight the global stakes, with the UNSC discussing the crisis on May 5. As India balances military readiness with diplomatic outreach, the PMO’s deliberations will shape its approach, aiming to neutralize terrorism while avoiding broader conflict in a volatile region.