Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], April 30 (ANI): Calling Pakistan a 'rogue nation', defence expert Shiwalee Deshpande said on Wednesday that Pakistan is not only training terrorists to come into India but also sending 'their regular army officers.'

'Now, since Pakistan has owned up that it trains terrorists and it gives terrorists funds, it gives them ammunition, it has been clear to the whole world that Pakistan is a rogue nation and Pakistan is a terror nation,' the defence expert told ANI.

Asserting that India is ready for a 'strong step' to give as a reply to Pakistan, she added, 'Now, after we are finding out details of these terrorists (in the Pahalgam attack), we find out they are ex-ISI officers and ex-Pakistan officers, and this is so terrible.'

'This proves that Pakistan is not only training terrorists and sending them into the country to commit terror activities, but it is also sending its regular army officers to India. So naturally India will take a strong step, and enough is enough, now this action is going to be something very big.'

Menwhile, in the meeting on April 29, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, CDS Anil Chauhan and the Chiefs of the three services, where India's resolve against terrorism was reiterated. Three Armed Forces were also given 'complete operational freedom' to respond to the Pahalgam terror attack, the defence expert said that the response will be given at a time and place of 'our choosing.'

Yesterday, during a ninety-minute meeting with all three chiefs, the CDS, and the NSA, the Prime Minister made it very clear that, from our side, the defence forces have a free hand to take action as and when they deem necessary. But the action will happen, and it will be at a time and place of our choosing, and this time it is going to hit big, we have the resources, our war games are already on,' she said.

The meeting, chaired by PM Modi, took place days after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on April 23, following the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed. Government sources said the Prime Minister affirmed that it is India's national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.

The sources said PM Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces. They stated that PM Modi said the Indian Armed Forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response. (ANI)