Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted a firm stance against terrorism emanating from Pakistan, declaring that India will not tolerate any attempts at "nuclear blackmail." Modi emphasized that any future dialogue with Pakistan would be strictly limited to discussions regarding terrorism and the status of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). This statement comes in the wake of heightened tensions and military actions, signaling a significant shift in India's approach to cross-border terrorism.
In a televised address to the nation following "Operation Sindoor," which targeted terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan, Modi underscored that India has established a "new normal" in responding to terrorist attacks. This new approach involves retaliating in a manner that terrorists understand, making it clear that India will respond to any act of terror with a befitting reply, on its own terms. He stated that India will act decisively against the origins of terrorism, regardless of where they are located.
Modi highlighted that talks and trade cannot coexist with terrorist activities. He reiterated India's long-standing position that for any meaningful dialogue to occur, Pakistan must take demonstrable steps to dismantle its terror infrastructure. He pointed to the close ties between the Pakistani military and state with known terrorists, as evidenced by the presence of high-ranking military officials at the funerals of relatives of terrorist leaders.
The Prime Minister's remarks also addressed the possibility of nuclear threats from Pakistan. Modi made it unequivocally clear that India would not be cowed by any "nuclear blackmail." He affirmed that India is prepared to undertake precise and decisive attacks on terrorist bases, even if they are shielded by the threat of nuclear retaliation. This declaration marks a significant escalation in India's rhetoric and signals a willingness to take greater risks in combating terrorism.
Modi's address referenced the surgical strike of 2016 and the Balakot air campaign of 2019, framing "Operation Sindoor" as the establishment of a "new line, new benchmark, and a new normal" in the fight against terrorism. He lauded the armed forces for their precision strikes, emphasizing that the operation dealt a blow to both terrorist infrastructure and the morale of terrorist organizations.
Furthermore, Modi addressed the circumstances surrounding the cessation of hostilities following "Operation Sindoor." He stated that Pakistan had pleaded for a halt to military actions, offering assurances that it would act against terrorism. However, he made it clear that the cessation was merely a pause and that India would closely monitor Pakistan's actions in the coming days to determine its next course of action. The Prime Minister asserted that India has given full freedom to the Indian army to wipe out terrorists, emphasizing the consequences of targeting Indian citizens. He also alluded to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that "blood and water cannot flow together" until Pakistan takes credible action against terrorists and related infrastructure.
In summary, Prime Minister Modi's recent statements represent a hardening of India's stance against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. By declaring that India will not tolerate nuclear blackmail and limiting dialogue to discussions on terrorism and PoK, Modi has set a new framework for engagement with Pakistan. The emphasis on decisive action, the establishment of a "new normal" in responding to terror attacks, and the clear message that talks and terror cannot coexist, all signal a more assertive and proactive approach to combating cross-border terrorism.
