India on High Alert: Modi Orders Ministries to Prepare for Potential Escalation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for heightened readiness across all government ministries following a series of cross-border strikes. The directive comes amid escalating tensions with Pakistan after India conducted air strikes on Wednesday targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan’s Punjab province.
Meeting of Secretaries
In a meeting with secretaries from various ministries, including defense, home affairs, and external affairs, Modi stressed the importance of seamless coordination and institutional resilience. Sources familiar with the meeting said the prime minister emphasized the need for continued alertness, clear communication, and a strong focus on national security, operational preparedness, and citizen safety.
Modi’s call for action comes after India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting air defense systems and radars in Pakistan. These strikes, which included an unprecedented assault on Punjab province, were in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack two weeks ago.
While India has expressed its commitment to national security, Pakistan has vowed to retaliate, raising concerns about a further escalation of the conflict.
Preparedness and Response
The meeting of secretaries focused on reviewing national preparedness and ensuring the fool-proof functioning of essential systems. Ministries were advised to strengthen civil defense mechanisms, counter misinformation, and ensure the security of critical infrastructure. They were also instructed to maintain close coordination with state authorities and ground-level institutions.
Government officials revealed that all ministries have identified actionable steps to address potential conflict scenarios and are strengthening their processes to deal with emerging situations.
International Impact
The cross-border strikes have had significant international repercussions. India closed 27 airports across northern India for commercial flights until Saturday, and 25 international flight routes were also shut. The heightened tensions have prompted calls for restraint from various world leaders.
Meanwhile, reports from the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir indicate that Pakistan has intensified firing across the border, resulting in casualties and evacuations.
