New Delhi, May 12:
In a powerful address to the nation on the evening of Buddha Purnima, Prime Minister Narendra Modi saluted the courage of India’s armed forces and hailed the success of Operation Sindoor — a precision military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack. The operation, which targeted terror bases in Pakistan, marks a significant escalation in India’s stance against cross-border terrorism.
Calling the attack in Pahalgam “a gruesome face of terror and cruelty,” the Prime Minister said the nation stood united in grief and in resolve. “We gave full freedom to the Indian forces to wipe out the terrorists,” he said, noting that over 100 militants were eliminated and major terror hideouts in Pakistan, including in Bahawalpur and Muridke, were destroyed.
PM Modi stressed that Operation Sindoor was not merely a tactical response but a reflection of the nation’s collective emotion and commitment to justice. “When the country is united and national interest is paramount, strong decisions are taken and results are achieved,” he asserted.
In a series of precision strikes between the night of May 6 and early morning of May 7, Indian missiles and drones struck deep inside Pakistani territory, targeting infrastructure long linked to global terrorist operations. The Prime Minister underscored that the world witnessed the efficiency of India’s military capabilities and the emergence of domestically produced defense equipment.
Following India’s retaliation, Pakistan attempted to escalate the conflict by targeting civilian and military sites. However, the Indian air defense system intercepted the attacks effectively, causing heavy damage to Pakistan’s offensive capabilities.
Facing mounting losses, Pakistan’s military contacted the Indian Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) on May 10, appealing for de-escalation. The Prime Minister clarified that India has suspended — but not ended — its military action, and will evaluate Pakistan’s actions closely in the coming days.
Outlining a new doctrine, PM Modi declared:
- Every terrorist attack will be met with a befitting response.
- India will not succumb to nuclear blackmail.
- No distinction will be made between terror groups and their sponsoring governments.
He reiterated that terror and talks cannot go together, and that India’s only agenda for any future dialogue with Pakistan will be on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Calling for global unity against terrorism, he said, “This is not the era of war, but it is also not the era of terrorism. Zero tolerance is the only path forward.”
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister invoked Lord Buddha’s teachings, linking peace with power. “For peace to prevail, strength is necessary — and India has shown that strength.”
