Key Points:
- PM Modi declares Operation Sindoor as India’s “established policy” against terrorism
- Future talks with Pakistan limited to only terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
- India will not tolerate nuclear blackmail and will strike terror hubs at their roots
- Military operations against Pakistan only “paused,” not ended
- Pakistan pleaded globally for de-escalation after India’s precision strikes
New Delhi: In his first address to the nation following the successful Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful warning to Pakistan, establishing a new security doctrine that marks a significant shift in India’s counter-terrorism strategy. Speaking on Monday, PM Modi declared that “Operation Sindoor is now India’s established policy in fight against terrorism,” signaling a more assertive approach to national security.
India’s New Security Doctrine
The Prime Minister outlined three key pillars of India’s new security approach that will guide the nation’s response to terrorism:
- Decisive Retaliation: Any terrorist attack on India will be met with a strong and resolute response, with India retaliating on its own terms and targeting terror hubs at their roots.
- No Tolerance for Nuclear Blackmail: Modi made it clear that India will not be intimidated by nuclear threats, stating, “India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail”.
- No Distinction Between Terror Sponsors and Terrorists: The Prime Minister emphasized that India will no longer differentiate between governments that support terrorism and terrorist organizations themselves.
“Operation Sindoor has redefined the fight against terror… setting a new standard and a new normal in counter-terrorism measures,” PM Modi stated, highlighting how the operation has carved out a new benchmark in India’s fight against terrorism.
Only a Pause, Not an End
Modi clarified that the military operations against Pakistan have only been temporarily suspended, not concluded. “We have only paused our retaliatory military action against Pakistan’s terror and military sites. In the coming days, we will test Pakistan’s actions to see their attitude,” he said. This statement underscores that India is maintaining vigilance and readiness to resume operations if necessary.
The Prime Minister revealed that Pakistan had desperately sought international help after India’s strikes. “After being soundly beaten, Pakistan contacted us in desperation. Pakistan pleaded with us to stop attacks, but we considered it only after they promised to stop their misadventure,” Modi explained.
A Response to Barbaric Terrorism
The Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 25, which killed 26 people. Modi described this attack as showing the “most barbaric face of terrorism,” noting that innocent civilians were killed in front of their families after being asked about their religion.
“When Indian missiles and drones attacked those sites in Pakistan, it was not just the buildings of the terrorist organisations but their courage also shook,” Modi stated, adding that terrorist sites like Bhawalpur and Muridke were “universities of global terrorism”.
Future Relations with Pakistan
The Prime Minister set clear boundaries for any future engagement with Pakistan: “If there will be talks between India and Pakistan, it will only be on terrorism and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)”. He reinforced this stance with a powerful statement: “Terror and talk cannot happen together. Terror and trade cannot happen together and terror and water cannot flow together”.
Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, Modi’s comments suggest a significant diplomatic shift, potentially using water-crucial for Pakistan’s agriculture and civilian needs-as leverage in the ongoing conflict.
A Tribute to India’s Armed Forces
Modi dedicated the success of Operation Sindoor “to every mother of our country, to every sister of the country and to every daughter of the country,” honoring the valor of India’s armed forces. He praised their precision in eliminating nearly 100 terrorists during the operation.
The Prime Minister’s address makes it abundantly clear that India has entered a new era in its approach to national security and counter-terrorism, one where it will respond decisively to threats and will not be deterred by nuclear posturing or international pressure.
