In a recent address, Prime Minister Modi declared that a "disproportionate response to terror" is now the new norm for India. Speaking at a women's empowerment rally in Bhopal, marking the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, Modi asserted that India would retaliate with greater force against terrorist attacks. This declaration follows the recent Operation Sindoor and signals a significant shift in India's approach to cross-border terrorism.

Modi emphasized that the terrorists' challenge to India's 'nari shakti' (woman power) in Pahalgam led to their destruction. He highlighted Operation Sindoor as a successful anti-terror operation, showcasing India's strength and resolve. The Prime Minister stated that India will no longer tolerate proxy war through terrorists and is prepared to enter their territory to strike them.

The remarks come in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where gunmen killed 26 people, mostly tourists. This was the worst attack on civilians in the country in roughly two decades and triggered a strong response from the Indian government.

Operation Sindoor involved striking nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Modi lauded the armed forces for their achievements in the operation, emphasizing the "jointness" in the armed response. He claimed that over 100 terrorists were killed and that terror bosses in the neighboring country now understand that any attack on India will invite destruction.

Modi also accused Pakistan of using civilian aircraft as shields during attacks, while praising the Indian Air Force for avoiding harm to civilian flights. He stated that Operation Sindoor not only targeted terror bases and air bases but also demolished Pakistan's terror misadventures and bad intentions.

This new doctrine of disproportionate response marks a departure from previous approaches, where dialogue, dossiers, and diplomacy were the norm. The government has made it clear that any act of terror will be considered an act of war. Compared to the surgical strikes of 2016 and the Balakot airstrike in 2019, Operation Sindoor represents a significant escalation against Pakistan's terror infrastructure.

The Prime Minister's statements and the actions of the Indian military indicate a clear and assertive stance against terrorism. India is determined to protect its citizens and will not hesitate to use force to eliminate terrorist threats, sending a strong message to its adversaries.

This approach has garnered both admiration and perplexity. Supporters see it as a necessary step to deter future attacks and safeguard national security. Critics, however, worry about the potential for escalation and the implications for regional stability.

The international community is closely watching India's evolving strategy. The United States has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue. However, India has made it clear that terror and talks cannot go together, and that any future discussions with Pakistan will focus solely on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.