In a clear and stern warning to Pakistan from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday stated that terrorists and those providing them safe haven would be treated alike, and that the Indian armed forces would determine the course of action in case of any future provocations from the neighbouring country.
Addressing the nation on India’s 79th Independence Day, the prime minister announced the launch of a mission named ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ aimed at “expanding, strengthening, and modernising” India’s national security framework.
Modi also highlighted the importance of developing an indigenous jet engine for India’s fighter aircraft programme, emphasizing the need to advance the nation’s defence manufacturing sector.
Hailing the armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor, Modi said it delivered a severe blow to Pakistan, with new details of the destruction emerging daily. He reiterated that India will no longer tolerate Pakistan’s nuclear threats, establishing a “new normal” in tackling cross-border terrorism.
“We have established a new normal: terrorists and those who provide them safe haven will be treated alike. Both are equal enemies of humanity,” Modi said during his marathon 103-minute speech.
“Today, from the Red Fort, I have the opportunity to salute the brave soldiers of Operation Sindoor. Our courageous soldiers punished the enemies beyond imagination.”
Recalling the tragic Pahalgam attack, the prime minister noted that the entire country and the world were shocked and outraged, and Operation Sindoor was a reflection of that collective anger.
“What the Indian armed forces achieved during Operation Sindoor has not been seen in decades,” he added.
India had responded to the Pahalgam attack on April 22 with several punitive diplomatic and economic measures, including putting the Indus Waters Treaty on hold. The attack killed 26 people, mostly tourists. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, resulting in four days of hostilities that ended with an understanding between the two sides on May 10.
The prime minister stressed that the armed forces had been given full freedom to punish those responsible for the Pahalgam attack and will similarly determine action for any future misadventures.
“On April 22, terrorists from across the border came to Pahalgam and killed innocent people after asking their religion. Entire India was outraged, and the entire world was shocked. Operation Sindoor is the expression of that outrage,” he said.
“Following the attack, our defence forces were given a free hand to decide strategy, objectives, and timing. They delivered an unprecedented response, unseen in decades,” Modi added.
“Bharat has resolved that we will not bow to nuclear threats or blackmail. If our enemies persist, our defence forces will choose the target, set the terms, and decide the timing—we will accomplish the mission,” he said.
Modi reiterated that Operation Sindoor was a testament to the valour and precision of India’s forces. “We penetrated hundreds of kilometres into enemy territory and destroyed terror bases to the ground. The destruction in Pakistan was so massive that new details are emerging every day,” he said.
Justifying India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, Modi stated, “Now, blood and water will not flow together. This treaty was one-sided and unjust. Rivers from India were irrigating enemy lands while our farmers faced water shortages. For the past seven decades, it harmed our agricultural interests.”
Earlier, two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force flew over the Red Fort showering flower petals—one carrying the tri-color and the other displaying a banner of Operation Sindoor.
(Agencies)
