News Desk
New Delhi, — In a stirring address to the nation on Monday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a resolute vision for India’s fight against terrorism, celebrating the success of Operation Sindoor and issuing a stern warning to Pakistan. The speech, delivered at 8 p.m. on May 12, came a day after a ceasefire agreement paused hostilities between the two nations, following India’s military response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Modi’s words, blending patriotism and defiance, underscored India’s unyielding commitment to national security and unity, while setting a clear agenda for future dialogue with Pakistan.
The address was Modi’s first public statement since Operation Sindoor, a meticulously executed military operation on May 6-7 that targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), eliminating over 100 terrorists, according to Indian officials. The operation was launched in retaliation for an April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, including 24 Indian tourists, a Nepalese tourist, and a local pony handler. Modi framed the operation as a testament to India’s resolve, saying, “Operation Sindoor is not just a name. It is a reflection of the feelings of millions of people in the country. Operation Sindoor is an unbroken pledge of justice. Late night of 6 May and morning of 7 May, the whole world has seen this pledge turning into results.”
Speaking from New Delhi, Modi praised the Indian armed forces, emphasizing their pivotal role in safeguarding the nation. “We have given full freedom to the Indian army to wipe out the terrorists, and today every terrorist, every terror organization knows ‘ki hamari behano, betiyon ke maathe se Sindoor hatane ka anjaam kya hota hai,’” he said, referring to the cultural significance of sindoor, a symbol of married women, to underscore the gravity of attacks on Indian citizens. The evocative imagery resonated deeply, positioning Operation Sindoor as a defense of national honor.
The speech also addressed the recent ceasefire, reached on May 10, which halted military actions across land, air, and sea. Modi clarified that India’s suspension of retaliatory strikes was conditional, contingent on Pakistan’s commitment to refrain from further terrorism or military provocations. “When Pakistan appealed and assured that it would not engage in any further terrorist activities or military adventures, India considered this request,” he said. “And I repeat, we have only suspended our retaliatory actions on Pakistan’s terrorist and military bases for now.” The statement signaled India’s readiness to resume action if provoked, reinforcing a policy of vigilance.
Modi outlined a new benchmark in India’s anti-terrorism strategy, describing Operation Sindoor as a continuation of previous actions like surgical strikes and air strikes. “Operation Sindoor has set a new standard in the fight against terrorism,” he declared. “First, whenever there is a terrorist attack on India, a strong response will be given. We will respond in our own way and take action at every place where the roots of terrorism are found. Second, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail.” This firm stance, particularly the rejection of nuclear threats, was a pointed message to Pakistan and a call for international support in combating terrorism.
The prime minister also criticized Pakistan’s response to India’s anti-terrorism efforts, noting that instead of cooperation, Pakistan had targeted Indian schools, colleges, religious sites, and military installations. “The world witnessed how their drones and missiles failed against India’s superior air defense systems, which intercepted and destroyed them mid-air,” Modi said, highlighting India’s technological and military prowess. He reiterated India’s diplomatic position, stating, “India’s stance is absolutely clear: Terror and talks cannot go hand in hand, terror and trade cannot coexist.” Addressing the international community, he added, “If there are talks with Pakistan, it will only be about terrorism, if there are talks with Pakistan, it will only be about Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK).”
Modi’s address was not without moments of unity and gratitude. He concluded with a tribute to the armed forces and a call for national solidarity, saying, “I once again want to salute the Indian Armed Forces. I also bow to the pledge of every Indian to stay united. Bharat Mata ki Jai.” The patriotic flourish, invoking “Mother India,” struck a chord with viewers across the country, many of whom took to social media to express pride in India’s resolute stance.
The speech comes at a critical juncture for India-Pakistan relations, with the ceasefire offering a fragile pause in a cycle of violence. Modi’s emphasis on PoK and terrorism as non-negotiable talking points suggests that India is prepared to maintain pressure on Pakistan, both militarily and diplomatically. His reference to independent decision-making, reportedly conveyed to U.S. Vice President JD Vance, further underscored India’s determination to chart its own course. “Wahan se goli chalegi, toh yahan se gola chalega,” Modi said, translating to “If they fire bullets, we will respond with cannons,” a vivid encapsulation of India’s tit-for-tat policy.
For many Indians, the address was a moment of reassurance. Operation Sindoor, with its swift and decisive execution, has bolstered confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens. Yet, the conditional nature of the ceasefire and Modi’s uncompromising rhetoric indicate that peace remains elusive. The international community, particularly nations invested in South Asian stability, will be watching closely to see how Pakistan responds to India’s terms.
As India navigates this tense period, Modi’s speech has set the tone for a policy rooted in strength, unity, and justice. By framing Operation Sindoor as a pledge fulfilled, he has rallied the nation while sending a clear message to adversaries: India will not waver in its defense of its people and its sovereignty.
