Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday declared that Operation Sindoor had sent a powerful signal to the world about how India would respond when its sovereignty is challenged. He said the cross-border military action, launched in retaliation to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, had instilled a new sense of national confidence and resolve.
Speaking at an event commemorating Tamil emperor Rajendra Chola-I, Modi said, “Operation Sindoor has proved that for India’s enemies and terrorists, no place is safe. The world has now witnessed how India reacts when its sovereignty is threatened.”
The Prime Minister was addressing a large gathering on the occasion of Aadi Thiruvathirai, celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola-I. This year’s event also commemorates the 1,000th anniversary of the Chola king’s famed naval expedition to Southeast Asia and the initiation of the majestic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple.
Referring to the May 7 military strikes across the Line of Control, Modi noted that the operations targeted specific terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). “When I travelled from the helipad, what was supposed to be a short 3–4 km drive turned into a spontaneous roadshow — the entire stretch echoed with chants praising Operation Sindoor. This mission has sparked a fresh sense of pride and awakened a new confidence across India,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Operation Sindoor demonstrated not just military strength, but also a shift in national psyche — a country ready to protect its interests and stand firm against cross-border threats.
Turning to the legacy of Rajendra Chola, Modi lauded the king’s humility and vision. Despite expanding the Chola empire across oceans, Rajendra ensured the gopuram of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple was built lower than that of his father’s Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur — a gesture of profound respect.
“Today’s New India reflects the same values — rising stronger with every challenge, yet deeply rooted in our civilisational ethos of peace, humility, and global welfare,” Modi said.
Paying tribute to former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, whose death anniversary falls on July 27, the PM said India needs “millions of minds like Kalam and the Chola kings” to realize the dream of a developed and self-reliant nation.
