Sensitive period: PM calls for alertness, synergy at security review meet with Secys

In the wake of the evolving situation after Operation Sindoor that targeted terror training camps in Pakistan and PoK, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting on national preparedness.

After an early morning briefing on the situation by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, the PM chaired a closed-door meeting with secretaries of various ministries and departments of the government to review national preparedness and inter-ministerial coordination in the light of recent developments concerning national security.

The PM described the current period as “sensitive” and called for continued alertness, institutional synergy and clear communication. He said this was essential as the nation navigates a sensitive period.

The PM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to national security, operational preparedness and citizen safety with the meeting discussing a range of issues, primarily emergency preparedness and security of critical infrastructure.

“Issues discussed included strengthening of civil defence mechanisms, efforts to counter misinformation and fake news and ensuring the security of critical infrastructure,” a PMO statement said.

Modi’s meeting on emergency preparedness was being held parallel to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chairing the all-party assembly at Parliament House Complex, where the Congress and the TMC wanted PM’s presence.

Speaking to secretaries, PM Modi stressed the need for seamless coordination among ministries and agencies to uphold operational continuity and institutional resilience.

He reviewed the planning and preparation by ministries to deal with the current situation.

The PMO said secretaries have been directed to undertake a comprehensive review of their respective ministry’s operations and ensure foolproof functioning of essential systems, with special focus on readiness, emergency response and internal communication protocols.

“Secretaries detailed their planning with a whole-of-government approach in the current situation. All ministries have identified their actionables in relation to the conflict and are strengthening processes. Ministries are ready to deal with all kinds of emerging situations,” said the government statement.

The ministries were also advised to maintain close coordination with state authorities and ground-level institutions. The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan, senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and secretaries from key ministries, including Defence (RK Singh), Home Affairs (Govind Mohan), External Affairs (Vikram Misri), Health (Punya Salila Srivastav), Information and Broadcasting, Power and Telecommunications.