Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 30 (ANI): As India prepares a strong response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Maharashtra BJP President and State Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday expressed 'Faith' in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, saying he will deliver a decisive and appropriate retaliation.

Speaking to reporters, Bawankule said, 'PM Modi is a pride 'vishwagaurav' for our country. I have complete faith that he will take such steps that no one will dare to bat an eye or plan an attack on India.'

In the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Modi, held a high-level meeting at his residence on Wednesday afternoon.

In addition to the CCS meeting, two other key committees--the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)--also convened at the Prime Minister's residence. A formal cabinet briefing has been scheduled for 3:00 PM today.

The second CCS meeting focused on assessing India's security preparedness following the Pahalgam incident.

The CCS had previously met on April 23 to review the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. In that meeting, the committee condemned the attack in the strongest terms, extended condolences to the bereaved families, and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

According to officials, the CCS was briefed on the cross-border linkages of the attack. It was noted that the incident occurred against the backdrop of the successful conduct of elections in the Union Territory and its steady economic and developmental progress.

As part of its response, the government announced a range of measures, including putting the Indus Waters Treaty on hold, signalling a firm message to Pakistan over its support for cross-border terrorism.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi chaired a separate meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs.

Sources said the Prime Minister expressed full confidence in the professional capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces and conveyed that they have complete 'operational freedom' to decide on India's response mode, targets, and timing.

The meeting was attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. (ANI)