Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled the 2016 surgical strike during the 138th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, describing the military operation as an important moment in India’s response to terrorism.
The Prime Minister noted that the country is approaching the 10th anniversary of the operation, which was carried out by the Indian Army on September 28-29, 2016, against terrorist targets across the Line of Control (LoC).
Modi said the operation demonstrated the resolve of India’s armed forces and drew international attention to the country’s approach toward countering terrorism.
“Ten years ago, on 28-29 September 2016, the Indian Army carried out a surgical strike on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan,” Modi said while recalling the operation.
He said the soldiers crossed the Line of Control to conduct the operation and described it as an example of India’s response to the threat of terrorism.
The Prime Minister also reflected on India’s long experience with terrorist attacks, referring to incidents including the September 13, 2008, Delhi serial blasts and the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.
“Terrorist attacks have hurt Bharat for a long time,” Modi said, adding that India has increasingly adopted what he described as a zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism.
He further said that India has demonstrated in recent years that terrorist attacks would be followed by a strong response.
India’s Experience With Terrorism
During his address, Modi recalled the impact of terrorism on India over several decades and said the country’s approach to dealing with the threat has evolved.
He referred to the period when serial blasts and major terrorist attacks repeatedly affected Indian cities and said the experience had strengthened the importance of responding firmly to terrorism.
According to Modi, the 2016 surgical strike was significant because it demonstrated a willingness to take direct military action against terrorist targets following attacks on India.
Modi Recalls 9/11 Attacks
The Prime Minister also recalled the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, noting that Indian nationals were among those who lost their lives.
“This year, it has been 25 years since the 9/11 attacks,” Modi said, referring to the attacks on the World Trade Center and other locations in the United States.
He recalled his visit to the United States in 2014, when he paid tribute to Indian civilians who died in the attacks.
Modi said the experience of terrorism in India and the loss of lives in attacks around the world underline the continuing challenge posed by terrorism.
The 138th episode of Mann Ki Baat therefore focused in part on the 2016 surgical strike and India’s broader experience with terrorism, as the country approaches a decade since the military operation.
