Not An Era Of War, Not Of Terrorism Either: PM Modi In Address To Nation On Operation Sindoor

New Delhi, May 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that this is not an era of war but not of terrorism either.
PM Modi had said two years back that “this is not an era of war” in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a phrase that had resonated on the global stage.
In his first address to the nation after Operation Sindoor, the prime minister said on Monday that for India to uphold peace, it must be strong, and when necessary, that strength must be exercised.
“This is not an era of war, but it is not an era of terrorism either. Unity is India’s greatest strength in the fight against all forms of terrorism. Zero Tolerance against terrorism is the guarantee of a better and safer world,” he said.
Modi asserted that Pakistan’s military and government have continuously nurtured terrorism, warning that such actions will eventually lead to Pakistan’s own downfall.
He declared that if Pakistan seeks survival, it must dismantle its terror infrastructure—there is no other path to peace.
He reaffirmed India’s firm stance, stating that terror and talks cannot coexist, terror and trade cannot run parallel, and blood and water cannot flow together.
“Any discussions with Pakistan will focus solely on terrorism and any negotiations with Pakistan will centre around Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK),” he said.
On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, the prime minister reflected on Lord Buddha’s teachings, emphasising that the path to peace must be guided by strength.
“Humanity must progress towards peace and prosperity, ensuring that every Indian can live with dignity and realise the dream of a Viksit Bharat. For India to uphold peace, it must be strong, and when necessary, that strength must be exercised.
“The recent events have demonstrated India’s resolve in safeguarding its principles,” he said.

Full text of PM Modi’s address to the nation on Operation Sindoor

Dear Fellow Citizens,
Greetings!
In recent days, we have witnessed both the strength and the restraint of our nation. First and foremost, I salute India’s valiant armed forces, our intelligence agencies, our scientists, and every citizen of this country. Our brave soldiers displayed boundless courage in achieving the objectives of “Operation Sindoor.” Today, I dedicate their heroism, their audacity, their gallantry to every mother, every sister, and every daughter of our nation.
Friends, the brutality unleashed by terrorists in Pahalgam on April 22 shook the country and the world. To ruthlessly slaughter innocent vacationers—questioning their faith, in front of their families and children—was the vilest face of terror. It was a heinous attempt to destroy our national harmony. On a personal level, I felt that pain deeply. In the aftermath of this attack, the entire nation—every citizen, every community, every political party—rose as one for stern action against terrorism. We granted India’s armed forces full freedom to crush the terrorists. And today every terrorist and every terror outfit knows what it means to strip the “sindoor” from the foreheads of our sisters and daughters.
Friends, “Operation Sindoor” is not merely a name—it reflects the sentiments of crores of Indians. It is an unbroken vow of justice. In the late hours of May 6 and into the morning of May 7, the world witnessed that vow transformed into action. Our forces struck precisely at terror camps and training centers in Pakistan. The terrorists never imagined India would take such a decisive step. But when a nation unites under the spirit of “Nation First,” steel-strong decisions are made—and results follow.
When India’s missiles and drones struck terror bases in Pakistan, not only were their structures destroyed, their morale also shattered. Bahawalpur and Muridke—places often dubbed “universities of global terrorism”—had links to every major terror attack, from 9/11 to the London Tube bombings, and countless strikes in India. Because terrorists dared to remove the sindoor of our sisters, India obliterated these terror headquarters. Over 100 ruthless terrorists were neutralized in these strikes. Many terror bosses—who for decades roamed openly in Pakistan plotting against India—were eliminated in a single blow.
Following India’s offensive, Pakistan plunged into despair and panic. Instead of supporting efforts to curb terror, Pakistan itself began targeting India—striking our schools, colleges, gurdwaras, temples, civilian homes, and even military bases. Yet in doing so, Pakistan only exposed its own weakness.
The world saw how Pakistan’s drones and missiles disintegrated like straw before India’s advanced air-defence. Pakistan prepared for a strike on our border—but India struck at the heart of Pakistan. Our drones and missiles hit with pinpoint accuracy, damaging airbases at which Pakistan had long boasted. In the first three days, India inflicted devastation beyond Pakistan’s expectations.
In this defeat, Pakistan sought a way out. Islamabad called upon the world to de-escalate. Beaten badly, on the afternoon of May 10 Pakistan’s military reached out to our DGMO. By then we had already severely degraded their terror infrastructure, eliminated terrorists, and reduced terror camps in their territory to rubble. Pakistan pledged that it would refrain from further terror or military provocations—and India agreed to consider it. I repeat: we have only suspended our counter-terror operations against Pakistan. In the days ahead, every step Pakistan takes will be measured against its behaviour.
Friends, India’s Army, Air Force, Navy, and paramilitary forces—including the BSF—remain on high alert. After surgical strikes and air strikes, “Operation Sindoor” is now India’s policy against terrorism. It has drawn a new line and set a new standard in the fight against terror.
First—if terrorists strike India, they will face a swift and crushing response on our terms. We will strike wherever terror’s roots take hold.
Second—India will tolerate no nuclear blackmail. Under its cover, terror bases will be hit with precision and decisiveness.
Third—we will no longer distinguish between terror sponsors in government and terror bosses. During “Operation Sindoor,” the world witnessed Pakistan’s repugnant truth: senior Pakistani officers flocked to bid farewell to slain terrorists at their funeral—a stark proof of state-sponsored terrorism. India will continue to take decisive steps to protect our citizens from any threat.
Friends, on the battlefield we have humbled Pakistan time and again—and “Operation Sindoor” has added a new dimension. We demonstrated our prowess in deserts and mountains and proved our superiority in new-age warfare. Our “Made in India” weapons have shown their authenticity. Today the world sees that it is time for “Made in India” defence equipment in 21st-century warfare.
Friends, our unity against all forms of terrorism is our greatest strength. This is certainly not an age of war—but it is not an age of terrorism either. Zero tolerance for terror is the guarantee of a better world.
Friends, the Pakistani military and government that nurture terrorism will one day destroy Pakistan itself. If Pakistan seeks survival, it must eliminate its terror infrastructure. There is no other path to peace. India’s position is crystal clear: you cannot have terror and talks; you cannot have terror and trade; and water and blood cannot flow together.
Today, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, let me also tell the world community: if India engages with Pakistan, it will be only on terrorism—and on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
Dear fellow citizens, today is Buddha Purnima. Lord Buddha showed us the path of peace—which also travels through strength. For humanity to advance towards peace and prosperity, India must be powerful—and when needed, must use that strength. In recent days, India has done exactly that.
I once again salute India’s Army and armed forces. I bow to the spirit and unity of every Indian citizen.
Thank you very much.
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!!!
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!!!
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!!!

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