By In a landmark shift in India’s counter-terrorism strategy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation following Operation Sindoor, asserting it as more than a military response — a clear doctrinal change in India’s approach to terrorism emanating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The address followed the operation launched on May 7, as a retaliatory strike against the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
In a firm and uncompromising 40-minute address on Monday evening, PM Modi outlined three new “normals” in India’s policy on cross-border terrorism, marking a turning point in New Delhi’s long-standing approach to its western neighbour. His speech is seen as a clear warning to Pakistan and a message to the global community about India’s evolving stance on terrorism.
Operation Sindoor: Precision Strikes, Doctrinal Shift
Describing Operation Sindoor as India’s official policy against terrorism, PM Modi emphasized that any act of terrorism on Indian soil will be met with decisive and proportionate retaliation. The operation involved “measured and precise” strikes on nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and PoJK. At least 100 terrorists, including high-value targets like Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudasir Ahmed, were neutralized, according to government sources.
“This is not just an operation — this is our doctrine. India will now respond to terrorism on its own terms,” said PM Modi. “If there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given.”
This marks the third major cross-border military operation in recent years, following the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, but with a more assertive policy framework.
New Normal 1: Terrorism Will Invite Direct Response
PM Modi declared a new baseline in India’s defence posture: every terror attack on Indian soil will be treated as an act of war. This shift signals a permanent change in how India intends to deal with terrorism across the border, rejecting the older, more reactive stance in favor of proactive counter-terrorism measures.
“India will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge,” he added.
New Normal 2: No Distinction Between Terrorists and Their Backers
In a direct message to Islamabad, PM Modi said India will make no distinction between terrorists and the governments, organizations, or individuals who support them.
He cited the example of Pakistani military officials attending the funerals of slain terrorists as damning evidence of state-sponsored terrorism. “This is not just a fight against terror groups — it is against the entire ecosystem of terrorism,” he stated.
New Normal 3: End of Pakistan’s Nuclear Blackmail
Another significant element of the address was India’s open rejection of Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent as a shield for terrorism. PM Modi asserted that India will not be blackmailed into inaction by the threat of nuclear escalation.
“India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. We will strike precisely and decisively at terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear threats,” he said.
No Talks Except on Terror and PoK
PM Modi concluded by clarifying India’s diplomatic position with Pakistan. He reiterated that no dialogue will be held unless it is centered on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
“If there will be talks between India and Pakistan, it will only be on terrorism and PoK. Terror, trade and talks cannot go hand-in-hand,” he said.
A Turning Point in India’s Security Doctrine
Operation Sindoor and PM Modi’s subsequent address mark a clear departure from the past, signalling a tougher, more assertive national security doctrine. With the Indian government indicating that Operation Sindoor has only been halted, not concluded, future action will depend on how Pakistan conducts itself.
As the world watches closely, New Delhi has made it clear: India’s era of strategic restraint is over. The message from Modi’s speech was unambiguous — terrorism will be met with decisive action, and India will chart its own course when it comes to protecting its sovereignty and people.
This doctrinal shift is not only significant in terms of military strategy but also signals a new diplomatic framework for engaging with Pakistan — one based on accountability, deterrence, and national interest above all.
