IAF chief briefs PM on readiness of air force

The chief of the air staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, on Sunday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is understood to have briefed him on the security developments unfolding in the region and the air force's operational readiness against the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror strike, people aware of the matter said.

- Rahul Singh

The meeting came on a day defence minister Rajnath Singh pledged a crushing response to those who threaten the country's security, amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan.

Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi briefed the Prime Minister on Saturday.

The two meetings came at a critical moment as Modi has granted the military a free hand to respond forcefully to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people and underlined that the armed forces have complete operational freedom to choose "the mode, targets, and timing of the response".

"The two chiefs would have probably updated the PM on what the actual situation is following the Pahalgam terror attack, how things are moving and the military's state of readiness to respond," said Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, a former IAF chief.

On Sunday, the Pakistan Army ratcheted up tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir for the tenth straight day by carrying out the most extensive ceasefire violations since the terror strike, officials aware of the matter said. The Indian Army's counter -fire was measured but effective, they added.

In Delhi, Singh minced no words as he pledged a strong response under Modi's leadership.

"As the defence minister, it is my responsibility to work with my soldiers and ensure the security of the country's borders. It is also my responsibility to work with the armed forces and give a crushing reply to those who threaten India," he said.