Source: INDIANEXPRESS

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Context

On April 22 2025 a terrorist attack in Pahalgam led to the death of 26 civilians. Intelligence inputs confirmed cross-border linkages of the attack prompting a high-level CCS meeting on April 23 chaired by PM Narendra Modi.

Major Retaliatory Measures Announced

India announced a series of tough diplomatic and strategic responses against Pakistan.

1. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty– a decades-old agreement that governs water sharing between India and Pakistan.
2. Downgrading diplomatic ties– reducing staff strength in Indian and Pakistani embassies.
3. Cancellation of visasissued to Pakistani nationals under the SAARC framework.
4. Closure of the Attari-Wagah border crossing halting all passenger movement.

What is the Cabinet Committee on Security?

It is the apex decision-making body in the Government of India on matters related to national security, defence policy and strategic affairs.

It is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes the ministers holding the four key portfolios:

Defence

Home Affairs

Finance

External Affairs 

The National Security Advisor, Cabinet Secretary and senior bureaucrats from concerned ministries are usually present in CCS meetings depending on the agenda.

During times of war or crisis the CCS can function as a war cabinet swiftly coordinating military and strategic decisions.

Functions of the CCS

Review and clearance of major defence and strategic policies.

Sanctioning defence-related expenditures and procurement deals.

Handling of atomic energy and nuclear command structure.

Decisions on internal security especially in crisis zones like Kashmir or Northeast India.

Final decisions on issues related to cross-border terrorism, intelligence and foreign policy dimensions of national security.

Approval of key defence appointments such as Chiefs of the Armed Forces.

When CCS Was Convened

1971 India-Pakistan War: PM Indira Gandhi convened the CCS before declaring a ceasefire after Pakistan’s surrender.

1999 Kandahar Hijack (IC-814): The CCS decided to negotiate resulting in the release of hostages after External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh escorted terrorists to Kandahar.

Kargil War (1999) and Pulwama-Balakot air strikes (2019) also saw crucial CCS deliberations.

Cabinet Committees

These are subsets of the Union Cabinet created to streamline decision-making on specific areas.

Formed by the PM after Cabinet formation.

Most committees are chaired by the Prime Minister except a few like those on Parliamentary or Accommodation Affairs.

There are currently eight such committees including on Economic Affairs, Political Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs.

Sources: INDIANEXPRESS