Bikaner, May 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that the country’s enemies have learnt what happens when ‘sindoor’ becomes gunpowder and lauded India’s armed forces for creating such a trap that Pakistan was brought down to its knees.
In his first public address in Rajasthan after Operation Sindoor, which was launched in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the prime minister slammed Pakistan and said in response to the attack on April 22, “We destroyed nine biggest terror hideouts in 22 minutes”.
“The world and the enemies of the country have seen what happens when sindoor turns into ‘barood’ (gunpowder),” he said.
He said India is not going to be scared by nuclear threats, and if there is a terrorist attack on the country, then it will give a befitting reply.
“The time and methods will be decided by our armed forces,” he said, addressing a public meeting in Palana in Bikaner.
“Our government gave free hand to all three armed forces. Together they created such a trap that Pakistan was forced to go down on its knees,” he said.
Noting that Pakistan had tried to target the Nal air base in Bikaner but could not cause any damage to it, he said, “But, no one knows when Pakistan’s Rahimyar Khan air base will open again. It is in ICU. The attack has destroyed it”.
“Pakistan can never win a direct fight against India. Whenever there is a direct flight, Pakistan has to face defeat again and again. That is why Pakistan has made terrorism a weapon to fight against India,” he said.
India carried out precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on terror infrastructure early on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian forces launched a fierce counter-attack on several Pakistani military installations.
India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the military confrontation after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.
Emphasizing that Operation Sindoor was not an act of revenge, but a new form of justice, he remarked that it was not just an expression of outrage but a display of India’s unwavering strength and determination. He asserted that the nation has adopted a bold approach, striking the enemy directly and decisively. “Crushing terrorism is not just a strategy but a principle, this is India, this is the new India”, stressed Modi.
Outlining the three key principles established through Operation Sindoor in India’s fight against terrorism, the Prime Minister stated the first principle – any terrorist attack on India would be met with a decisive response, with the timing, method, and terms determined solely by India’s armed forces. Second, he asserted that India would not be intimidated by nuclear threats. Third, he emphasized that India would no longer differentiate between terrorist masterminds and the governments that support them, rejecting Pakistan’s distinction between state and non-state actors. Highlighting ongoing global efforts to expose Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism, seven distinct groups, comprising leaders from various political parties and foreign policy experts, are actively working to present Pakistan’s true face to the world, he added.
Modi asserted that Pakistan can never win a confrontation with India, recalling its repeated failures in past conflicts. He emphasized that, unable to succeed in open battles, Pakistan has long used terrorism as a weapon against India, resorting to violence and creating an atmosphere of fear. He declared that Pakistan had underestimated India’s resolve, stating that under his leadership, the nation stands strong and unwavering. “Any terrorist attack on India would result in severe consequences, with Pakistan paying a heavy price, borne by its military and its economy”, he said.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan Airbase has been forced to shut down for several days due to India’s precise military strikes, which severely impacted its operations. The Prime Minister firmly declared that there would be neither trade nor talks with Pakistan. He asserted that any discussions would solely revolve around Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He warned that if Pakistan continued exporting terrorists, it would face economic ruin. He reiterated that India would not allow Pakistan access to its rightful share of water and that playing with Indian blood would come at a steep cost. “This resolve is India’s commitment, one that no force in the world can shake”, he stressed.
“Both security and prosperity are essential for building a developed India”, emphasised Modi, asserting that this vision can only be realized when every corner of the country is strengthened. He stated that the event serves as an exemplary demonstration of India’s balanced and accelerated growth. Concluding his address, he extended his congratulations from the land of valor to all present.