New Delhi, May 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India’s fierce retaliation under Operation Sindoor marked a fundamental shift in the country’s counter-terrorism strategy, declaring that terrorists have now learned “the cost of touching the sindoor of our daughters.”
In a national address following the Pahalgam terror massacre, the Prime Minister confirmed that over 100 terrorists were eliminated and multiple terror camps and command centres inside Pakistan were destroyed in precise strikes conducted on May 6 and 7.
Modi asserted that India’s response, carried out with “full freedom” given to the armed forces, was both proportionate and necessary.
He said Pakistan’s deep involvement in cross-border terrorism was exposed, as “terrorist headquarters were razed, and those who plotted against India for decades were neutralized.”
Describing the April 22 Pahalgam attack as a “gruesome and targeted act of terror,” Modi said it shocked not only the nation but the world.
“Innocent families enjoying holidays were asked about their faith and then killed in front of their children,” he said.
“This was not just terror, it was an attack on India’s harmony.” The Prime Minister stressed that the nation stood united in its grief and fury, and responded with full strength and resolve.
He called Operation Sindoor a symbol of national sentiment and a reflection of justice.
“It is not just a military operation—it is a pledge fulfilled,” he said, dedicating the operation to the courage of Indian women and the sacrifice of Indian soldiers.
The Prime Minister detailed how Indian missiles and drones struck deep into Pakistan, demolishing longstanding terror hubs in Bahawalpur and Muridke, sites he described as “global epicenters of terrorism” linked to attacks in India and abroad, including 9/11 and the London bombings.
“They never imagined India would strike so boldly,” he said, adding that the country’s new policy prioritizes firm, first-strike responses against any terror threat.
Following India’s strikes, Pakistan launched a series of retaliatory attacks, targeting Indian military bases, schools, and religious sites. However, Modi noted, “Their drones and missiles were no match for India’s air defense systems.” He said that by May 10, Pakistan’s military, reeling from unexpected damage, reached out to India’s Director General of Military Operations, pledging to halt all terror activity and military aggression. India, he said, agreed to pause operations, but made clear that any breach would invite a renewed and even harsher response.
Modi then outlined a three-pronged national security doctrine shaped by Operation Sindoor: decisive retaliation to any terrorist attack, rejection of nuclear blackmail, and no distinction between terrorists and the states that sponsor them. He underscored that India would no longer treat Pakistan’s government and terror groups as separate. “When generals attend terrorists’ funerals, the line is already erased,” he said.
He emphasized India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing, highlighting the performance of domestically produced weapons during the operation. “Made-in-India systems proved decisive in the battlefield. The world now knows what India is capable of,” he declared.
Reiterating India’s long-held position, Modi said that peace and terror cannot co-exist.
“There will be no talks with Pakistan unless it is about Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and terrorism,” he said.
“Blood and water cannot flow together. Trade and terror cannot run in parallel.”
Reflecting on the message of Buddha Purnima, Modi said the path to peace must be rooted in strength.
“This is not an era of war, but it cannot be an era of terrorism either. India stands for peace, but peace demands security.”
He concluded his address by saluting the Indian armed forces and affirming the country’s unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
