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In PM Modi’s own words, Terror and Talks cannot go together. He concluded by assuring the citizens that India is in safe hands and that their safety and dignity will always remain the top priority of his government. This address will be remembered not just for its substance, but for the conviction with which it was delivered. It showed the world that India, under PM Modi’s leadership, is no longer a silent observer but a determined protector
On May 12, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation following the successful execution of Operation Sindoor. This 22-minute speech was not just a recounting of military achievements but a declaration of India’s unwavering stance against terrorism and its sponsors. The Prime Minister’s address underscored India’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and sovereignty, sending a clear message to adversaries and allies alike. The Prime Minister began by acknowledging the collective grief and anger that swept the nation after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 innocent lives. He emphasized that the entire country stood united in demanding a decisive response. We gave full freedom to the Indian forces to wipe out the terrorists, he stated, highlighting the government’s resolve to act against those who threaten India’s peace.
Operation Sindoor was launched in the early hours of May 7, 2025, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian Air Force executed 24 precision strikes using Rafale jets armed with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs. The operation lasted approximately 23 minutes and was described as focused and non-escalatory, aiming to dismantle the infrastructure of groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed without causing civilian casualties. The choice of the name Operation Sindoor was deeply symbolic. In his address, PM Modi stated, The enemy has now realised the consequences of removing sindoor from the foreheads of our women, referencing the cultural significance of sindoor as a symbol of marital status and the pain inflicted on families by terrorism. His emotional tone resonated deeply across the country, especially with those who had lost loved ones. Beyond the military response, India undertook several diplomatic and strategic actions to isolate Pakistan. These included suspending the Indus Water Treaty, halting bilateral engagements, and sealing the Attari border. These measures aimed to convey that India would not tolerate any form of support for terrorism and would use all available means to protect its interests. PM Modi reinforced that India is now a proactive nation that will not wait for another tragedy to act.
A significant moment during the post-operation briefing was the presence of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a Muslim officer, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a Sikh pilot, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, a Kashmiri Pandit. Their joint appearance symbolized India’s unity in diversity and the collective resolve of its people to stand against terrorism, irrespective of religious or cultural backgrounds. That press briefing image will forever stay in our national memory, representing not just three officers, but the spirit of a billion Indians. Modi mentioned this unity in his speech as the real strength of Bharat. While the physical operation was underway, India faced a series of cyberattacks from state-backed hackers and hacktivist groups across several countries. These attacks targeted critical infrastructure, including defense, transportation, and financial sectors. Despite the intensity of these cyber threats, Indian cybersecurity agencies successfully mitigated the risks, ensuring the nation’s digital infrastructure remained secure. The PM praised the agencies for their vigilance and assured the public that India’s digital defenses are robust.
PM Modi’s address was not limited to recounting events but carried a warning too. He stated firmly that if Pakistan or any other nation sponsors terror again, the response will be even more decisive than Operation Sindoor. India has said no to terror, and the world has heard that loud and clear. In PM Modi’s own words, Terror and Talks cannot go together. He concluded by assuring the citizens that India is in safe hands and that their safety and dignity will always remain the top priority of his government. This address will be remembered not just for its substance, but for the conviction with which it was delivered. It showed the world that India, under PM Modi’s leadership, is no longer a silent observer but a determined protector. This speech will be etched in history as a moment when a leader not only spoke for a nation but as the nation.
The writer is a student activist and can be reached at soulofkashmir1@gmail.com
