Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a powerful address in the Lok Sabha amid the ongoing discussion on Operation Sindoor, laid out the government’s strong and strategic response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, stressing India’s unyielding stance against terrorism and those who shelter it.

PM Modi began by recalling the sequence of events following the brutal attack in which terrorists opened fire on civilians after asking them their religion. “The cruel incident that happened in Pahalgam on 22nd April, the way terrorists shot innocent people after asking them about their religion, was the height of cruelty. This was a well-thought-out attempt to throw India into the fire of violence. This was a conspiracy to spread riots in India. Today I thank the countrymen that the country foiled that conspiracy with unity.”

Emphasizing the urgency and clarity of the government’s response, Modi stated: “I was abroad on 22nd April. I returned immediately. And immediately after coming back, I called a meeting and we gave clear instructions that a befitting reply has to be given to terrorism and this is our national resolve. The army was given a free hand to act. And it was also said that the army should decide when, where, how and in what manner. All these things were clearly said in that meeting.”

Addressing concerns over foreign policy and domestic political unity, he said: “A lot was said here on India’s Foreign Policy. There were discussions on global support too...We received global support. But unfortunately, the valour of the brave jawans of my country did not get the support of Congress.”

Defining the new doctrine of India’s counter-terrorism approach, the Prime Minister asserted: “Operation Sindoor makes it clear that India has decided on 3 points. 1) If there is a terrorist attack on India, we will respond in our own method, on our conditions and on our time. 2) No nuclear blackmail would work now. 3) We will not see terrorist-supporting governments and terror masterminds as two separate entities.”

Further elaborating on the operational success, he declared: “India has proved that nuclear blackmailing will not work anymore and neither will India bow down to this nuclear blackmailing. Pakistan's airbases and assets have suffered heavy damage. And to date, many of their airbases are in ICU.”

He added: “Terrorist bases were destroyed in Pakistan. No one can imagine that anyone can reach there. Bahawalpur, Muridke, has also been razed to the ground. Our forces destroyed the terrorist bases. Third aspect, we have proved Pakistan's nuclear threat to be false... India has shown its technical capability. It has struck Pakistan precisely on the chest... Made in India drones, missiles exposed Pakistan's weapon system...”

In a statement that captured the mood of the nation, PM Modi said: “...Ab hamle ke baad mastermind ko nind nahi aaati, unko pata hain Bharat aayega aur maar kar jayega. This new normal has been set by India. 'Sindoor se leke Sindhu tak', we have taken action against Pakistan.”

He praised the swift and calculated strikes: “Right after Pahalgam terrorist attack, Pakistan Forces had this idea that India would indeed take a major action. They started making nuclear threats. On the intervening night of 6-7 May, India took action just as decided. Pakistan could not do anything. Our armed forces avenged 22nd April within 22 minutes with precision attacks.”

Reiterating full backing to the military, he said: “Armed Forces were given a free hand. They were told to decide the when, where and how...We are proud that terrorists were punished, and it was such a punishment that the terrorist masterminds have sleepless nights even to this day.”

Closing his speech with a reflection on national pride and unity, Modi declared: “I had said that this is a session of India's 'vijayotsav'...When I am speaking of 'vijayotsav', I would like to say - ye 'vijayotsav' aatanki headquarters ko mitti mein milane ka hai.”

He ended his address with a sharp message to critics: “I stand here to present India's side before this House. Those who don't see India's side, I stand here to show them a mirror.”