New Delhi, May 12 — In a firm and unequivocal address to the nation on Monday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India would not tolerate any form of "nuclear blackmail" and clarified that military operations against Pakistan had only been suspended, with future actions depending on the neighboring country's behavior.
This marked Prime Minister Modi’s first address since India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ targeting terrorist camps and their infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. As per agency report, the Prime Minister extended a salute to the courage and dedication of India’s armed forces, scientists, and intelligence agencies, acknowledging their role in executing the operation successfully.
Modi stated that the attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which left 26 civilians dead, many of whom were reportedly killed after being asked about their religion, had shaken not just India but the entire world. He described the killings as deeply personal and painful, and said that the whole nation united in outrage and resolve following the incident.
He credited India’s response to the Pahalgam attack as a reflection of a new national doctrine on terrorism, stating that the armed forces were given complete freedom to respond as they deemed necessary. Over 100 hardened terrorists were reportedly eliminated during the operation, he added.
Referring to the threat of nuclear retaliation, Modi asserted that India will not succumb to any such pressure and emphasized that Pakistan’s plea to halt further military action was only considered after it promised to refrain from further hostile activities. He clarified that the suspension of operations is conditional and subject to Pakistan’s future conduct.
The Prime Minister said that ‘Operation Sindoor’ is not merely a codename but represents India’s unwavering pledge for justice. He called it a defining moment where the world witnessed the transformation of that pledge into resolute action.
Modi concluded by stating that every terrorist and terror organization has now learned the consequence of threatening India’s sovereignty and the sanctity symbolized by the ‘sindoor’ — referring to the traditional symbol of marriage and dignity for Indian women.
