Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday delivered a powerful address in the Lok Sabha during a special discussion on Operation Sindoor, declaring that India will respond to cross-border terrorism and nuclear threats on its “own terms,” treating both terror masterminds and their sponsors with equal force.
Referring to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where innocent civilians were gunned down by Pakistan-backed terrorists, PM Modi asserted that Operation Sindoor marked a turning point in India’s counterterrorism strategy. “This operation has sent a loud and clear message—India will not tolerate nuclear blackmail, and we will strike back hard and fast,” he said.
The Prime Minister recalled that while he was abroad at the time of the attack, he returned immediately to convene a high-level meeting. “Clear instructions were issued: give a decisive response. The armed forces were given full operational freedom,” he said, adding that the punishment delivered left the masterminds “sleepless.”
He revealed that India launched its operation on the intervening night of May 6 and 7, targeting key terror hideouts deep inside Pakistan, including Bahawalpur and Muridke—strongholds of banned terror groups. “India’s armed forces achieved all objectives in just 22 minutes,” he said.
Highlighting the five dimensions of India’s strategic response, PM Modi said:
- Rapid Retaliation: The swift and effective strike was launched before Pakistan could react.
- Unprecedented Reach: Terror camps in areas never before targeted were obliterated.
- Nuclear Blackmail Neutralized: India proved it will not be cowed by nuclear threats.
- Tech-Driven Warfare: Precision strikes showcased India’s indigenous military technology, damaging key Pakistani air assets.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat in Action: Indian-made drones and missiles exposed Pakistan’s vulnerabilities.
Modi emphasized that Operation Sindoor symbolized a “Vijay Utsav”—a celebration of India’s collective will, military strength, and national unity. “Our Army, Navy, and Air Force acted with such synergy that Pakistan was left rattled,” he said.
Slamming the brutality of the Pahalgam attack, where terrorists allegedly identified victims by their religion before executing them, the Prime Minister condemned the act as “a calculated attempt to incite communal unrest.” He praised the Indian public for responding with unity and calm.
The Prime Minister asserted that India has established a “new normal”: masterminds behind terror attacks will no longer escape. “Those who plan attacks from safe havens will now live in fear. Earlier, they created terror; now, they live in terror,” he declared.
Modi also noted the global reaction to the operation, saying world leaders praised the speed, precision, and effectiveness of India’s response. “Many powerful countries asked, ‘How did you do it? Why didn’t Pakistan retaliate?’ The answer is simple—this is a new India. We strike back, and we strike with impact.”
Concluding his address, he said, “Terrorism is a war against humanity. Every Indian stands united in this fight. Operation Sindoor is not just a military triumph—it is a symbol of India’s resolve, unity, and unwavering patriotism.”
