In a forceful address to the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to opposition criticism surrounding Operation Sindoor, declaring that no world leader, including US officials, asked India to stop its counter-terror action against Pakistan. Modi’s statement came amid a tense two-day debate that featured fiery exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches, particularly over the government’s handling of national security.
Modi recounted the tense night of May 9, when India was in the middle of executing Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead. The Prime Minister said he received multiple missed calls from US Vice President JD Vance, warning of a possible escalation by Pakistan. Upon returning the call, Modi told Vance, “Our response will be even stronger.”
Key Highlights from PM Modi’s Address
- “No world leader asked India to halt Operation Sindoor.”
Modi rejected claims that international pressure led to a premature ceasefire. - “Vance called three to four times; I was in a meeting with military officials.”
Modi described how global powers were closely watching India’s response. - “Pakistan tried nuclear blackmail, but we responded on our terms.”
He asserted that the government acted decisively, free of external influence. - “In 22 minutes, we avenged the April 22 Pahalgam attack.”
Referring to the speed and precision of India’s military response. - “Masters of terrorism are still losing sleep.”
Modi claimed India’s action had left lasting impact on those directing attacks.
Operation Sindoor and the Global Dimension
Responding to repeated questions from the Opposition on why the operation didn’t escalate further into reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Modi turned the tables by referring to historical decisions made by previous governments. “Those who now question us must ask themselves — whose government let the enemy capture PoK?” he said.
He also hit out at the Congress for “blaming the government” while ignoring the legacy of earlier concessions, adding, “They even called Aksai Chin barren and gave it away.”
Modi emphasized that the Operation had made India’s stance on terrorism and its sponsors unequivocally clear:
“India has now decided on three points. One: Any terror attack on India will be responded to on our terms. Two: Nuclear blackmail will not work. Three: We will no longer differentiate between terrorist groups and the governments that support them.”
The Intent Behind the Pahalgam Attack
The Prime Minister characterized the Pahalgam terror attack as an attempt to instigate internal unrest in India. “It was a conspiracy to provoke riots. But India’s unity foiled it,” Modi told the House, lauding the resilience of the citizens and the swift action of the armed forces.
He described the military campaign as a national achievement, stating, “When I refer to this session as a Vijayotsav (celebration of victory), it is because we destroyed the headquarters of terror.”
Countering the Ceasefire Narrative
Congress MPs had earlier cited remarks attributed to US President Donald Trump about India agreeing to a ceasefire at Washington’s urging. Modi dismissed this, reiterating that India had the support of the global community—except for three unnamed countries—and that there was no external pressure involved in the decision to wind down the operation.
“They (Pakistan) pleaded for a ceasefire,” he added, reinforcing the narrative that India ended the operation from a position of strength, not under international duress.
Prime Minister Modi’s statement served as a reaffirmation of India’s assertive security doctrine, while also acting as a rebuttal to opposition claims of weakness or inconsistency. He placed responsibility for past territorial losses at the feet of the Congress and emphasized that the current government’s strategy rests on deterrence, decisiveness, and international credibility.
