New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday declared that Operation Sindoor has set a “new parameter and new normal” in India’s decisive stance against terrorism, calling it a benchmark in the country’s evolving counter-terror doctrine.
In a national address, PM Modi reflected on previous decisive actions—the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes—saying that Operation Sindoor now stands as a third pillar of India’s policy to eliminate terror threats at their root.
“After the surgical strike and air strike, now Operation Sindoor is India’s policy against terrorism. Operation Sindoor has carved out a new benchmark in our fight against terrorism and has set up a new parameter and new normal,” he said.
The strikes were carried out in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. The Prime Minister said Indian forces responded with precision strikes on terror hubs inside Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
He praised India’s security apparatus, affirming their constant vigilance:
“Indian Air Force, Army, Navy, Border Security Force and India’s paramilitary forces are constantly on alert.”
PM Modi laid out India’s strategic framework against terror:
“First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given. We will give a befitting response on our terms only. We will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge. Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail.”
He stressed that India sees no difference between governments that sponsor terror and the individuals who mastermind it, citing direct involvement of Pakistan’s military.
“During Operation Sindoor the world has again seen the ugly face of Pakistan, when top Pakistani army officers came to bid farewell to the slain terrorists. This is strong evidence of state-sponsored terrorism. We will continue to take decisive steps to protect India and our citizens from any threat.”
PM Modi asserted that India has always triumphed over Pakistan on the battlefield.
“We have defeated Pakistan every time on the battlefield. And this time Operation Sindoor has added a new dimension. We have displayed our capabilities in the deserts and mountains and also proved our superiority in New Age Warfare. During this operation the authenticity of our Made in India weapons were also proven. Today the world is witnessing that in 21st century warfare the time has come for Made in India defence equipment.”
India’s unity, he said, is its strongest shield.
“India’s greatest strength is our unity against all forms of terrorism.”
Referring to his famous statement to President Putin, Modi reiterated the need for a terrorism-free world.
“This is certainly not the era of war but this is also not the era of terrorism. Zero tolerance against terrorism is the guarantee for a better world. The way the Pakistani army, Pakistan government are encouraging terrorism, it will destroy Pakistan one day. If Pakistan wants to survive, it will have to destroy its terror infrastructure. There is no other way to peace. India’s stand is very clear… Terror and talks cannot go together… Terror and trade cannot go together… Water and blood cannot flow together.”
The Prime Minister clarified India’s firm diplomatic stance:
“Today, I would also like to tell the global community that our stated policy has been: if there are talks with Pakistan, it will be only on terrorism; and if there are talks with Pakistan, it will be only on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).”
Calling Operation Sindoor a symbolic pledge of national justice, he said:
“Operation ‘Sindoor’ is our unwavering commitment to justice. Late night of 6th May and in the early morning of May 7, the whole world saw this pledge turn into reality. Indian forces attacked terror hideouts in Pakistan and their training centers with precision. The terrorists had never imagined that India could take such a big decision. But when the country is united, endowed with the spirit of Nation First and national interest is paramount, then strong decisions are taken and results are achieved.”
He emphasized the shock impact of the strikes:
“When India’s missiles and drones attacked terrorist bases in Pakistan, not only the buildings of terrorist organizations but their courage also was shaken badly. Terrorist bases, like Bahawalpur and Muridke are universities of global terrorism. The big terrorist attacks of the world, be it 9/11, be it London Tube bombings, or the big terrorist attacks which have happened in India in the last many decades their roots are somehow connected to these terrorist hideouts. The terrorists had wiped out the Sindoor of our sisters and India responded by destroying their terrorist headquarters.”
Over 100 terrorists, including senior leaders, were neutralized.
“Many terrorist leaders were roaming freely in Pakistan for the last two and a half to three decades who used to conspire against India. India killed them in one stroke.”
PM Modi concluded by affirming that India also retaliated militarily to Pakistan’s aggression and targeted multiple Pakistani airbases effectively.