The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs meets today for the first time since 2019’s Pulwama attack, amid speculation over India’s potential military and political response to the Pahalgam massacre.
April 30, 2025: PM Modi to Chair Crucial Cabinet Panel Meet Today, First Since 2019’s Pulwama Attack
In the wake of the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to chair a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) on Wednesday. The meeting follows earlier rounds of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and is being closely watched for potential decisions regarding India’s strategic response to the escalating cross-border threat.
The CCPA, often referred to as the “Super Cabinet,” has not convened under similar circumstances since the Pulwama terror attack in 2019. At that time, the panel paved the way for revoking Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation status—an action that preceded the Balakot airstrikes by the Indian Air Force.
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Context and Significance
On Tuesday, PM Modi met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, following which sources confirmed that the Prime Minister had granted the armed forces “complete operational freedom” to decide on the mode, timing, and targets of India’s retaliation to the Pahalgam attack.
The CCPA meeting is expected to review the current political and security landscape and formulate further countermeasures, possibly blending diplomatic, economic, and internal security strategies.
CCPA: Role and Composition
The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs is tasked with handling sensitive matters related to:
- Internal security with political ramifications
- Centre-state relations requiring consensus
- Key economic and foreign policy decisions
- Coordination among ministries on high-impact issues
Chaired by PM Modi, the CCPA includes top union ministers such as Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, JP Nadda, and others. Ministers from allied parties also participate, reflecting its inclusive political structure.
Backdrop of Tensions
India has already announced a string of retaliatory measures against Pakistan, including:
- Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty
- Revoking all visas issued to Pakistani nationals
- Shutting the Attari-Wagah land transit post
Pakistan, in turn, has issued warnings and threatened “catastrophic consequences” in case of any military action, even as it denies involvement in the Pahalgam massacre, which was claimed by a Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked outfit.
With the CCPA convening under these tense circumstances, the outcome of today’s meeting could significantly shape India’s immediate and long-term national security and diplomatic posture.
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Narendra Modi, CCPA meeting, Pahalgam attack, India Pakistan tensions, Kashmir terror attack, Cabinet Committee on Security, Indus Waters Treaty, Balakot airstrike, CCS, India security response