Indian Air Force Chief Holds Talks with Prime Minister Modi amid Escalating Hostilities with Pakistan
In the midst of the escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, convened with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter's residence on Lok Kalyan Marg. This high-level meeting followed a series of consultations led by PM Modi, which included Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, all three chiefs of the armed forces, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Such meetings have been orchestrated in response to the devastating Pahalgam terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir, during which 26 civilians, including foreign tourists, lost their lives. The government promptly convened a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, firming up its commitment to counter terrorism with a robust response.
The aftermath of the attack has sparked a flurry of activities on the diplomatic and military fronts. In a display of solidarity, an all-party meeting was called, with the opposition pledging unwavering support for the Centre's retaliatory actions. On the military front, India has reportedly granted the armed forces "complete operational freedom" to respond, with sources confirming cross-border connections regarding the attack.
Amidst these tensions, India is said to have halted aspects of the Indus Waters Treaty as part of its retaliatory measures[4]. Such a move escalates the situation further, as the treaty has traditionally been a point of cooperation between the two nations during past crises[4]. The specifics of India's actions remain undisclosed.
Analysts predict a more forceful response from India compared to the 2019 Balakot airstrikes due to the targeting of civilians[4]. Pakistan has called for a "neutral" investigation, but India dismisses this suggestion as deceptive[1]. Meanwhile, Pakistan's envoy has urged de-escalation via international mediation, involving countries like China and Russia[1].
In this delicate geopolitical scenario, the threat of nuclear escalation looms over the region, adding an urgent urgency to the ongoing negotiations. Cross-border shelling has intensified, making it crucial for both nations to exercise restraint and diplomacy to prevent an inevitable conflict.
- Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, highlighted the need for countermeasures against terrorism during a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
- The aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack has underscored the importance of crime-and-justice issues in general news, with analysts predicting a more forceful response from India compared to the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.
- The Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the loss of 26 civilians including foreign tourists, has also sparked political debates, with Pakistan calling for a "neutral" investigation, which India dismisses as deceptive.
- The role of diplomacy and international mediation, involving countries like China and Russia, has been emphasized during the ongoing tensions, as a means to de-escalate the situation and prevent further war-and-conflicts between India and Pakistan.
