New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday strongly criticized Pakistan for supporting cross-border terrorism, declaring that “terror and talks” and “terror and trade” cannot coexist.
In a national address, PM Modi emphasized India’s uncompromising stance on terrorism, referring to prior military actions such as the 2016 surgical strike and the 2019 air strike, and stating that “Operation Sindoor is India’s policy against terrorism.”
Referring to the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, PM Modi noted that India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. “Water and blood cannot flow together,” he said.
The Prime Minister underscored that any future discussions with Pakistan would solely focus on two issues — terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). “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),” he said.
Highlighting the significance of Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam attack, PM Modi said it set a new benchmark in India’s anti-terror efforts.
“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,” PM Modi said.
He added: “Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism. 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.”
Reaffirming India’s military prowess, he said: “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 defense equipment.”
PM Modi also addressed the broader context of global peace, drawing from his earlier statement to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the Ukraine war.
“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,” he stated.
In conclusion, he lauded the contributions of India’s defense forces.
“First of all, on behalf of the people of India, I salute the valiant forces of India, the armed forces, our intelligence agencies, and our scientists. Our brave soldiers displayed immense courage to achieve the objectives of Operation Sindoor. I pay tribute to their bravery, courage and valour. I dedicate this valour to every mother, every sister and every daughter of the country.”
Following Operation Sindoor, India successfully repelled Pakistani military escalation and targeted several of its airbases. Peace efforts resumed with a call from Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to India’s Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai. The two DGMOs also held further discussions on Monday to prevent further military action.