In his first address to the nation after Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India’s future course of action against terrorism would be contingent on Pakistan’s behaviour. He declared that Operation Sindoor now marks a new national policy against terrorism and that a new line has been drawn.
On Monday, May 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly stated that India would not yield to any kind of ‘nuclear blackmail’ from Pakistan, emphasizing that the military actions taken against terrorism have merely been paused, not ended.
During his first national address after the launch of Operation Sindoor, Modi reiterated that future steps would be determined by Pakistan’s conduct. “Operation Sindoor is now India’s new policy against terrorism and a new line has been drawn,” he said.
Modi stressed his intention to inform the international community that any discussions with Pakistan would now only revolve around terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
“Terror and talks can’t go hand in hand, terror and trade can’t go hand in hand, water and blood cannot flow together,” Modi stated in his 22-minute speech.
On the morning of May 7, India launched targeted strikes on terrorist camps located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and within Pakistan itself, in retaliation for the brutal killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam. These strikes, carried out beginning May 7, were designated as Operation Sindoor.
Earlier that day, Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO)-level talks took place between India and Pakistan. This dialogue followed accusations from India that Pakistan had violated the terms of a “bilateral understanding” merely hours after the agreement was made on Saturday afternoon.
Here Are 10 Key Highlights from Prime Minister Modi’s Address:
- Zero Tolerance for All Forms of Terrorism
Modi referred to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people — mostly tourists — were killed, describing it as “the most barbaric face of terrorism.”
“We will take decisive action against terrorist bases operating under the guise of such threats. There will be no distinction between government-sponsored terrorism and terrorist organisations. The world witnessed the grim reality of Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, when top officials of the Pakistani military openly stood in solidarity with terrorists and bid adieu to them at funerals. This stands as the strongest evidence of state-sponsored terrorism,” he asserted.
- No Coexistence Between Terror and Dialogue
Modi emphasized to the global community that:
“Terror and talks can’t go hand in hand, terror and trade can’t go hand in hand, water and blood can’t flow together.”
Just minutes before Modi’s speech, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he had averted a possible nuclear confrontation between India and Pakistan after their post-Operation Sindoor cross-border confrontations.
Trump claimed he defused the situation by saying: “I was gonna do a lot of trade with you, let’s stop it.”
- Operation Sindoor Sets a New Strategic Doctrine
Modi declared that Operation Sindoor marks a new strategic doctrine against Pakistan-backed terrorism.
“The Air Force, the Navy, and the Army, BSF and military forces are on alert. After the surgical strike and air strike, Operation Sindoor is India’s policy against terrorism. Operation Sindoor has drawn a new line against terrorists,” Modi said.
He praised the operation, stating that it captured the emotions of millions of Indians. He also pointed out that rather than aiding in counter-terror efforts, Pakistan had responded with further aggression.
- Made-in-India Arsenal Powers Precision Strikes
Modi applauded the Indian-made weaponry used during Operation Sindoor, highlighting how India’s military deployed “precise” and “calibrated” strikes across nine identified terror locations in Pakistan and PoK.
- Pakistan’s Misguided Retaliation Exposed
Instead of supporting anti-terror efforts, Modi noted, Pakistan launched retaliatory attacks against India’s civilian and cultural infrastructure.
“The world witnessed how their drones and missiles failed against India’s superior air defence systems, which intercepted and destroyed them mid-air. While Pakistan aimed to strike at our borders, India responded by hitting them at their core. Indian missiles and drones successfully destroyed key Pakistani Air Force bases,” he said.
- India’s Swift Response Shocked Pakistan
India inflicted unprecedented damage in just three days, Modi said.
“Following this, Pakistan pleaded to the international community to de-escalate tensions. By the time their forces contacted our DGMO on May 10, India had already dismantled major terror hubs across the region,” he said.
Pakistan promised no further terror activity or military aggression.
“Only then did India consider its response. I repeat once again — we have merely suspended our retaliatory actions against Pakistan’s terrorist and military targets for now,” Modi said.
He contradicted President Trump’s claims that the U.S. mediated the de-escalation.
- India Rejects Nuclear Blackmail
Modi reiterated that while India has paused its operations, this decision rests on Pakistan’s conduct going forward.
“India will not tolerate any form of nuclear blackmail. We will take decisive action against terrorist bases operating under the guise of such threats,” he said.
- Military Action Temporarily Paused, Not Ended
Modi reiterated that India’s actions have not ended, only paused — and that Pakistan was the one to request the ceasefire.
“I will repeat, we have only so far paused our retaliatory action against the terrorist and military bases of Pakistan… in the coming days, we will test every step of Pakistan to see what role it has adopted,” Modi stated.
- Sponsoring terror will ultimately backfire on Pakistan)
Modi warned Pakistan that their continued support for terrorism would be self-destructive.
“One day the terror it is sponsoring will finish off Pakistan. They will have to dismantle their terror infrastructure,” he said.
- Strength is the Pathway to Lasting Peace
Modi concluded by invoking Buddha Purnima and emphasized the need for national strength as the foundation for peace.
“Today is Buddha Purnima. Lord Buddha showed us the path of peace — and that path to peace also goes through strength. For humanity to progress toward peace and prosperity, and for every Indian to live in peace and help realise the dream of a developed India, it is essential for India to be strong. When necessary, using that strength is also important — and in the past few days, India has done just that. Once again, I salute the Indian Armed Forces and our security personnel,” Modi concluded.
