Gandhinagar: Noting that terrorist activities are no longer a proxy war but a well-thought-out strategy by Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that “if they are engaging in war”, India will give an appropriate response.
Addressing the celebrations of 20 years of Gujarat Urban Growth Story in Gandhinagar, PM Modi said India believes in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, does not want enmity and wants to progress so that it can also contribute to global well-being
PM Modi said that over the past two days during his visit to Vadodara, Dahod, Bhuj, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, he has been experiencing the fervour of patriotism with the roar of success of Operation Sindoor.
He added that it was a sight to behold and this feeling was not just in Gujarat, but across every nook and corner of India and in the heart of every Indian.
Recalling the first terrorist attack on India in 1947, right after the partition of India, PM Modi recalled Sardar Patel’s vision, emphasizing that the Indian Army should not have halted until Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was reclaimed. He stated that Patel’s advice was not followed.
PM Modi stressed that the problem of terrorism has continued for the last 75 years and the terror attack in Pahalgam was another horrific form of it.
He asserted that Pakistan repeatedly faced India’s military strength in war.
“No matter how strong or healthy the body is, even a single thorn can cause constant pain–and we’ve decided that the thorn must be removed. During Partition, Maa Bharati was divided into two, and that very night, the first terror attack on Kashmir was launched by the Mujahideen. Had they been eliminated then, these 75 years of suffering could have been avoided,” he said.
“Whenever India and Pakistan went to war, our Indian Armed Forces–our bravehearts–defeated them in a way they would never forget. Realising they could never win a direct war against India, they turned to proxy warfare, providing military training and support to terrorists instead,” he added.
Referring to Operation Sindoor carried out by India in response to Pahalgam terror attack, he said the terrorists killed in precision strikes were given state honours, proving Pakistan’s complicity.
“We can’t call this a proxy war as those who were killed after May 6 were given state honors in Pakistan. Pakistani flags were draped over their coffins, and their military saluted them. This proves that these terrorist activities are not just a proxy war — this is a deliberate war strategy on their part. If they are engaging in war, then the response will be accordingly,” he said.
Emphasising India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the Prime Minister stated that India has upheld this tradition for centuries and continues to seek peaceful and harmonious relations with its neighbours.
He said that India has always advocated peace and stability, the repeated challenges to its strength have necessitated firm responses.
He emphasized that nine identified terrorist bases were eliminated within 22 minutes in Operation Sindoor and camera documentation ensured that no evidence could be questioned.
The Prime Minister emphasized that India has always pursued progress and the welfare of all, offering assistance in times of crisis.
Addressing the younger generation, he urged them to recognize how the country has been undermined over the decades.
Talking about the Indus Waters Treaty which has been put in abeyance, the Prime Minister highlighted issues related to water resources in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out that although dams were constructed on rivers, proper maintenance and desilting were neglected for sixty years.
PM Modi asserted that India must receive its rightful access to water.
Emphasising that India aspires for peace and prosperity, PM Modi highlighted the nation’s commitment to progress and contributing to global well-being.
He stated that India remains dedicated to the welfare of its citizens.