Modi approved covert strikes on Pakistan after Pulgam attack: Retired general

In a significant disclosure, retired General Anil Chauhan, who previously served as India's Chief of Defence Staff, has outlined details of the government's response to the terror attack in Pulgam. According to his account, a critical meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi on April 29 determined that Pakistan needed to face severe consequences for the incident.

During the meeting, Modi granted the military considerable operational freedom to conduct targeted strikes, contingent upon having solid, irrefutable evidence to support any action taken. The directive emphasised precision in execution, limiting collateral concerns while ensuring accountability through documented justification.

General Chauhan's remarks provide rare insight into the decision-making process at the highest levels of India's security establishment following major terror incidents. The April meeting represented a departure from previous responses, with the government apparently determined to escalate pressure on Pakistan through covert military means rather than diplomatic channels alone.

The strategic approach reflected a willingness to pursue action beyond conventional expectations, provided military planners could substantiate their targeting decisions. This framework balanced operational objectives against international scrutiny, requiring commanders to maintain plausible deniability while achieving strategic objectives.