Kashmir, May 12, 2025 – In a powerful address to the nation at 8 PM IST, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the resounding success of Operation Sindoor, India’s bold military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22, 2025. Speaking with resolve, Modi hailed the operation as a defining moment in India’s battle against cross-border terrorism, sending a clear message to Pakistan and terror groups: India will strike decisively when provoked.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), dismantling nine key facilities and neutralizing over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Modi praised the Indian Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and defense scientists for their precision, noting the use of advanced weaponry like BrahMos missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, and Hammer smart bombs deployed by Rafale jets. “Our forces struck with surgical accuracy, ensuring zero civilian harm while crushing the enemy,” he said.
The operation’s name, Sindoor, was deeply symbolic, chosen to honor the widows of the Pahalgam victims, as sindoor (vermilion) signifies marital bonds in Indian culture. “This operation is a pledge to every mother, sister, and daughter of India that their pain will not go unanswered,” Modi declared, dedicating the mission’s success to the nation’s women.
The address came days after a tense escalation with Pakistan, which responded to India’s strikes with drone and missile attacks on May 8–10, targeting Indian bases. India’s retaliation was swift, hitting Pakistani airbases like Rafiqui and Chaklala, showcasing a new era of assertive defense. A ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10 through direct military channels, though Pakistan’s subsequent violations drew sharp criticism from Modi. “India seeks peace, but not at the cost of its sovereignty,” he asserted.
Modi revealed that the operation followed meticulous planning, with high-level coordination involving Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. India also kept global powers like the US, UK, Russia, and UAE informed, reinforcing its transparent approach. Addressing international concerns raised by the UN and Amnesty International about alleged civilian casualties, Modi reiterated that India’s actions were solely against terror infrastructure.
The Prime Minister announced a nationwide Tiranga Yatra from May 13–23, organized by the BJP, to celebrate the operation’s success and unite citizens in pride. “Operation Sindoor is not just a military victory; it is the heartbeat of 1.4 billion Indians,” he said, urging the nation to honor its heroes.
As India navigates the aftermath, Modi’s address underscored a shift in policy: no longer will cross-border terrorism be met with restraint. “Any attack on India will face consequences on our terms, at a place and time of our choosing,” he warned, signaling a new doctrine of preemption and strength.
