NEW DELHI, May 13: India will not tolerate nuclear blackmail, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on May 12 during his first address to the nation following the success of Operation Sindoor. In a strong message to adversaries and the international community, Modi said that any future dialogue between India and Pakistan would revolve around two key issues—terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). “It will decisively target those hubs that thrive under the shadow of such threats,” he said.
Describing Operation Sindoor as more than a military action, Modi called it a pledge of justice aimed at dismantling global terrorist networks. The operation targeted and successfully destroyed terrorist training centres in Bahawalpur and Mudrike in Pakistan, long considered breeding grounds for major international and domestic terror attacks including the 9/11 attacks, the 2005 London tube bombings, and numerous strikes on Indian soil.
Modi revealed that the operation killed more than 100 terrorists who had been operating freely in Pakistan for years. “These terrorists have roamed in Pakistan for decades, but India ended that threat in one swift action,” he said.
Condemning Pakistan’s reaction to India’s strike, Modi said Pakistan retaliated by attacking Indian schools, colleges, temples, gurudwaras, military centres, and civilian homes. “Instead of backing India’s efforts, they attacked us. The world saw how Pakistan’s missiles and drones failed to penetrate India’s air defence systems,” he said.
In retaliation, India launched precision strikes on critical Pakistani military airbases, crippling their capabilities. “In just three days, Pakistan suffered more damage than they ever imagined. They were left reeling. Looking for ways to reduce tension, they reached out to the international community,” Modi said.
He disclosed that Pakistani military officials contacted India’s Directorate General of Military Operations (DGMO), pleading for an end to the conflict. Pakistan promised to halt military actions and stop supporting terrorist activities. However, Modi emphasized that India remains vigilant. “While the immediate threat has been paused, we are constantly monitoring their movements,” he said, assuring the public that India’s armed forces, navy, air force, and border security forces are on high alert.
Modi stated that India’s policy of surgical and air strikes will continue as the new normal. “Any terrorist activity on Indian soil will be met with strikes on our terms,” he said. He also highlighted the undeniable evidence of state-sponsored terrorism, pointing out the Pakistan Army’s involvement in terrorists’ funerals. “Pakistan’s military is complicit in this. Terrorism and diplomacy cannot go hand in hand,” he added.
Referencing India’s spiritual heritage on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, Modi invoked the teachings of Lord Buddha. “Buddha showed us the path to peace, and that path requires strength. India must remain strong, and when required, we will wield that strength. This is what India has done in the past few days,” he said.
The Prime Minister concluded by saluting the Indian armed forces for their exceptional role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and reaffirmed India’s commitment to fighting terrorism with unwavering resolve.
