In the wake of a fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that India has only "paused" its military action against Pakistan, delivering a stern warning in his first public address since the recent escalation of tensions. Modi's statement comes after a week of fierce military confrontation that raised concerns of a potential fifth war between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Speaking in New Delhi, Modi asserted that his government would not differentiate between governments that support terrorism and terrorist groups. He vowed that India would "retaliate on its own terms" if the country faces any future terror attacks. This declaration follows the Indian military's launch of multiple missile attacks on May 6, targeting sites within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, claiming to have struck "terrorist infrastructure," a claim Pakistan has refuted.
Modi accused Pakistan of choosing to "attack" India instead of combating terrorism, stating firmly that India "will not tolerate nuclear blackmail". He emphasized that India will be closely monitoring Pakistan's actions, adding, "This is not an era of war, but this is not an era of terrorism, either".
Tensions soared following a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir, leading India to accuse Pakistan of supporting the militants responsible, a charge Pakistan denied. This incident prompted India to launch "Operation Sindoor" in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the death of 26 people. According to Modi, the operation saw India’s resolve turn into action, with strikes eliminating over 100 terrorists in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The Prime Minister also addressed the Indus Waters Treaty, stating, "Terror and trade cannot go together, water and blood cannot flow together". India's recent decision to halt the flow of water, a critical resource for Pakistan's agriculture and civilian use, signals a significant diplomatic shift, using water as leverage.
Pakistan's Finance Minister has called for the Indus Waters Treaty, which India has unilaterally suspended, to be reinstated to its original status. Meanwhile, a ceasefire agreement was reached on Saturday, halting firing and air intrusions from 5 pm on May 10, following a call between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. However, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai reported that Pakistan violated the ceasefire within hours through cross-border firing and drone intrusions.
Despite the ceasefire, Modi's recent statements underscore India's unwavering stance against terrorism and its readiness to respond decisively to any future provocations. He asserted that talks with Pakistan would only address terrorism and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, reiterating that "Terror and talks can't go together. Nor can terror and trade". He cautioned that Pakistan's support for terrorism will lead to its downfall, stressing the need to dismantle its terror infrastructure to achieve peace.
While the guns may be silent for now, Prime Minister Modi's message makes it clear that India remains vigilant and prepared to act if its security is threatened.
