Prime Minister Narendra Modi postponed a scheduled foreign trip to Croatia, the Netherlands, and Norway on Thursday to address escalating tensions with Pakistan following a thwarted missile attack and India’s retaliatory strikes. The decision came as Modi chaired a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to assess the volatile situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and India’s northern borders.
The CCS, comprising Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, reviewed India’s successful “Operation Sindoor,” which neutralized Pakistani missiles targeting 15 Indian cities and destroyed a Lahore-based air defence system. Sources confirmed Modi granted the armed forces “complete operational freedom” to counter any further aggression, signaling India’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty.
The meeting also addressed reports of heavy shelling along the LoC, which has resulted in civilian casualties, and unverified social media claims of a drone strike on Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Modi emphasized the need to counter misinformation and maintain national unity, urging citizens to rely on official channels for updates.
“India remains fully prepared to respond to any misadventure while prioritizing the safety of its people,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office read. The cancellation of Modi’s foreign engagements, originally planned to strengthen bilateral ties and attend a climate summit, underscores the gravity of the ongoing conflict with Pakistan.
International leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, have called for de-escalation, while Pakistan’s leadership vowed retaliation for India’s strikes. As both nations remain on high alert, Modi’s focus on domestic security is seen as a strategic move to project strength and unity in the face of mounting regional challenges.
