Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) supremo Sukhbir Singh Badal has commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his handling of recent tensions with Pakistan, following Operation Sindoor. Badal lauded Modi's "strong and clear-headed approach" in dealing with "the enemies of peace" across the border.

Badal congratulated the people of India, especially the armed forces, for their role in "inflicting a crushing defeat on terrorists and their sponsors in Pakistan." He specifically praised Modi's diplomatic management of the situation, stating that the Prime Minister forced the Pakistan Army leadership to "run for cover to Washington to beg for a ceasefire."

According to Badal, accepting Pakistan's request for a cessation of hostilities after a decisive victory was a statesmanlike move. He stated that "After the decisive victory on the battlefield, the prime minister acted as a statesman in accepting their request for cessation of hostilities. Peace after victory is the most honourable course to follow."

Badal also strongly criticized politicians who have been critical of the ceasefire agreement and are "indulging in warmongering." He asserted that such politicians "are those who have never witnessed the damage inflicted by war and watch it on their television screens in their drawing rooms. These people are the real enemies of the nation." He stressed that Punjab, in particular, would have suffered greatly if the conflict had continued, given its proximity to the border. He highlighted the significant population and major cities located near the border, suggesting that a full-scale war would have resulted in "unprecedented destruction of both life and property."

Furthermore, Badal emphasized the Sikh community's unwavering support for the country during the crisis. He stated that the Sikh community "stood like a rock with the country during the crisis" and that they have "again proved that when the nation is threatened by external aggression the Sikhs are its first line of defence." He also condemned Pakistan's attempts to sow discord by falsely claiming that India was targeting Nankana Sahib, emphasizing that the Sikh community had resolutely rejected these claims. He added that the community did not want war and was grateful to the central government for acting in the best interests of both the community and the nation.

In related developments, Prime Minister Modi visited the Adampur air base in Punjab, where he addressed air force personnel. He declared that "Operation Sindoor is the new normal for India now," signaling a more assertive stance against terrorism. Modi also stated that India has drawn a clear "Lakshman Rekha" against terrorism and "will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail" while acting against terror and its sponsor, Pakistan.

These events unfolded after India and Pakistan reached an agreement on May 10 to halt military actions following four days of intense cross-border exchanges.