May 12, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the nation in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, lauding the Indian Armed Forces for their courage and precision in carrying out counter-terrorism strikes in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
In a powerful message, PM Modi declared that the armed forces had been granted full operational freedom to eliminate terrorism at its roots.
“We have given full freedom to the Indian Army to wipe out terrorists. Today, every terrorist and terror organisation knows ‘hamari behano, betiyon ke maathe se Sindoor hatane ka anjaam kya hota hai’,” said the Prime Minister.
A Tribute to the Nation’s Women
Dedicating the success of Operation Sindoor to Indian women, PM Modi said:
“I dedicate this valour, bravery, and courage to every mother, sister, and daughter of our country.”
He emphasized that the recent actions taken by the Indian forces reflect both the capability and the patience of the nation, warning those who attempt to disrupt peace in India.
The Pahalgam Attack: A Turning Point
The Prime Minister recalled the horrific April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 innocent civilians were brutally killed by terrorists after reportedly being identified by their religion.
“The barbarism that terrorists displayed on April 22 has shaken both the country and the world,” PM Modi said, reaffirming his earlier promise that the perpetrators would face “punishment beyond imagination.”
Operation Sindoor: India’s Decisive Response
India responded with Operation Sindoor, a series of precision air and ground strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Over 100 terrorists were reportedly neutralized.
Despite retaliatory aggression from Pakistan, Indian forces effectively repelled the attacks and pounded multiple Pakistani airbases, sending a strong and clear message of deterrence.
Diplomatic Measures
In parallel with military action, India has taken diplomatic steps to convey its zero-tolerance stance on cross-border terrorism. Notably, the Indus Waters Treaty — a longstanding bilateral agreement — has been placed in abeyance, signaling a strategic tightening of India’s posture toward Pakistan.
Operation Sindoor not only showcased India’s military capability, but also its resolve to defend its citizens and uphold national honour, marking a significant chapter in the country’s fight against terrorism.