Bikaner, May 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised India’s armed forces for their swift and decisive response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, stating that the country’s enemies have now witnessed the consequences of provoking a strong India.
Speaking at a public rally in Palana, Rajasthan, this marked his first address in the state following Operation Sindoor, a military operation launched in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
In a strongly worded statement, the Prime Minister said, “The world has seen what happens when sindoor (vermilion, symbolizing sacrifice) turns into barood (gunpowder).” He lauded the military’s role in carrying out targeted strikes, claiming that “nine major terror hideouts were destroyed in just 22 minutes.”
Modi emphasized that Pakistan must now face consequences for supporting terrorism. “Pakistan needs to understand – Modi stands here with his head held high. My mind remains calm, but the blood in my veins burns with determination. There will be no trade or dialogue with Pakistan – if talks happen, it will be only about Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK),” he said.
Rejecting nuclear threats from Pakistan, Modi stated that India would respond firmly to any act of terrorism. “The timing and nature of the response will be left to our armed forces,” he said.
He asserted that India’s military has been granted full operational freedom, which led to the strategic execution of Operation Sindoor. “Together, the Army, Navy, and Air Force created such a trap that Pakistan had no choice but to retreat,” Modi claimed.
“This is not vengeance but a new form of justice. Operation Sindoor reflects a transformed India – no longer reactive but assertive. Earlier we struck inside enemy territory; now we’re striking with greater force,” he added.
Modi also alleged that Pakistan attempted to target the Nal air base in Bikaner during the escalation but failed to inflict any damage. In contrast, he claimed the Indian forces severely damaged Pakistan's Rahimyar Khan air base, stating, “It is now in the ICU.”
He reiterated that Pakistan cannot win a conventional conflict with India and has resorted to terrorism as a tactic. “Direct confrontation always ends in Pakistan’s defeat. That’s why terrorism has become their weapon of choice,” he said.
According to Indian officials, Operation Sindoor involved precise military strikes on terror camps across the border early on May 7. These actions reportedly triggered Pakistani attempts to retaliate between May 8 and 10, targeting Indian military bases. India responded with counter-attacks on several Pakistani installations.
The cross-border confrontation concluded on May 10, with both nations reaching an understanding to de-escalate after four days of intense drone and missile exchanges.
