Not an era of war, not of terrorism either: PM Modi

New Delhi, May 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday said that this era was not an era of war, but the era was not of terrorism either.

Addressing the nation via videoconference, PM Modi said that while this era was not one of war, it could not be one of terrorism either.

Zero tolerance against terrorism is the guarantee of a better and safer world,î he declared.

Underscoring that unity was Indias greatest strength in the fight against all forms of terrorism, the PM said that the nation had witnessed both Indias strength and restraint in recent days.

He extended his salute to the countrys formidable armed forces, intelligence agencies, and scientists on behalf of every Indian citizen.

PM Modi highlighted the unwavering courage displayed by Indiaís brave soldiers in achieving the objectives of Operation Sindoor, acknowledging their valour, resilience, and indomitable spirit.

He dedicated this unparalleled bravery to every mother, sister, and daughter of the nation.

Condemning strongly the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, stating that it shocked both the nation and the world, the PM described the act as a gruesome display of terror, where innocent civilians enjoying their holidays were brutally killed after being questioned about their faith ñ right in front of their families and children.

He stressed that this was not just an act of cruelty but also a vile attempt to fracture the nations harmony.

Expressing his deep personal anguish over the attack, PM Modi highlighted how the entire nation ñ every citizen, every community, every section of society, and every political party - stood united in demanding strong action against terrorism.

He said that the government had given the armed forces full freedom to eliminate the terrorists.

The PM warned all terrorist organisations, declaring that they now fully understand the consequences of attempting to harm the dignity of the nationís women.

Operation Sindoor is not just a name but a reflection of the emotions of millions of Indians,î he said describing it as an unwavering pledge to justice, one that the world witnessed being fulfilled on May 6 and 7.

PM Modi said that the Indian armed forces executed precise strikes on terrorist hideouts and training centres in Pakistan, delivering a decisive blow.

He said that the terrorists never imagined India would make such a bold move, but when the nation stands united with ëNation Firstí as its guiding principle, firm decisions are taken and impactful results are delivered.

The PM said that India's missile and drone strikes on terrorist hubs in Pakistan shattered not only their infrastructure but also their morale.

He said that locations like Bahawalpur and Muridke had long operated as centres of global terrorism, linking them to major attacks worldwide, including the 9/11 attacks of the US, the London Tube bombings, and decades of terrorist incidents in India.

PM Modi declared that since terrorists had dared to destroy the dignity of Indian women, India had eliminated the headquarters of terror.

He said that the operation resulted in the elimination of over 100 dangerous terrorists, including key figures, who had openly plotted against India for decades.

The PM said that those who orchestrated threats against India had been swiftly neutralised.

He said that Indias precise and forceful strikes had left Pakistan in deep frustration, pushing it into desperation.

In its agitation, Pakistan resorted to a reckless act instead of joining the global fight against terrorism ñ it launched attacks on Indian schools, colleges, gurudwaras, temples, and civilian homes, also targeting military bases, PM Modi said.

He highlighted how this aggression exposed Pakistanís vulnerabilities, as its drones and missiles crumbled like straw before Indias advanced air defence systems, which neutralised them in the sky.

The PM said that while Pakistan had prepared to strike Indias borders, India delivered a decisive blow to Pakistans core.

He said Indian drones and missiles executed highly accurate strikes, severely damaging Pakistani airbases that it had long boasted about.

Within the first three days of Indias response, Pakistan suffered destruction far beyond its expectations. Following Indias aggressive countermeasures, Pakistan began seeking ways to de-escalate, appealing to the global community for relief from rising tensions, PM Modi said.

He said that, after suffering severe losses, Pakistans military reached out to Indias DGMO on the afternoon of May 10.

ìBy then, India had already dismantled large-scale terrorist infrastructure, eliminated key militants, and reduced Pakistans terror hubs to ruins, the PM said.

He said that Pakistan, in its appeal, assured that it would cease all terrorist activities and military aggression against India.

ìIn light of this statement, India reviewed the situation and decided to temporarily suspend its counter-operations against Pakistans terrorist and military installations, PM Modi said.

He said that this suspension was not a conclusion.

ìIndia will continue to assess Pakistans every move in the coming days, ensuring that its future actions align with its commitments, the PM said.

He said that Indias armed forces ñ the Army, Air Force, Navy, Border Security Force (BSF), and paramilitary units - remain on high alert, ensuring national security at all times.

Operation Sindoor is now Indiaís established policy in the fight against terrorism, marking a decisive shift in Indiaís strategic approach,î PM Modi said.

He said that the operation had set a new standard, a new normal in counter-terrorism measures.

PM Modi outlined three key pillars of India's security doctrine.

Firstly, the decisive retaliation - when any terrorist attack on India will be met with a strong and resolute response. India will retaliate on its terms, targeting terror hubs at their roots. The second is no tolerance for nuclear blackmail - India will not be intimidated by nuclear threats. Any terrorist haven operating under this pretext will face precise and decisive strikes. The third pillar is no distinction between terror sponsors and terrorists - India will no longer see terrorist leaders and the governments sheltering them as separate entities,î he said.

The PM said that during Operation Sindoorí, the world once again witnessed Pakistanís disturbing reality - senior Pakistani military officials openly attending funerals of eliminated terrorists, proving Pakistans deep involvement in state-sponsored terrorism.

He said that India would continue taking decisive steps to safeguard its citizens against any threat.

Asserting that India had consistently defeated Pakistan on the battlefield, and ëOperation Sindoorí had added a new dimension to the nations military prowess, PM Modi highlighted Indias remarkable capability in both desert and mountainous warfare while also establishing superiority in new age warfare.

He said that during the operation, the effectiveness of ëMade in India defence equipment was decisively proven.

The PM said that the world was now witnessing the arrival of ëMade in Indiaí defence systems as a formidable force in 21st-century warfare.

He asserted that Pakistans military and government had continuously nurtured terrorism, warning that such actions would eventually lead to Pakistans downfall.

PM Modi said that if Pakistan seeks survival, it must dismantle its terror infrastructure.

There is no other path to peace, he said.

The PM reaffirmed Indias firm stance, stating that terror and talks cannot coexist, terror and trade cannot run parallel, and blood and water cannot flow together.

Addressing the global community, he reiterated Indias long-standing policy that any discussions with Pakistan would focus solely on terrorism and any negotiations with Pakistan would centre around PoK.

On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, PM Modi reflected on Lord Buddhaís teachings, emphasising that the path to peace must be guided by strength.

He underscored that humanity must progress towards peace and prosperity, ensuring that every Indian can live with dignity and realise the dream of a Viksit Bharat.

The PM said that for India to uphold peace, it must be strong, and when necessary, that strength must be exercised.

He said that recent events had demonstrated Indias resolve to safeguard its principles.

PM Modi saluted the valour of the Indian armed forces and expressed his deep respect for the courage and unity of the people of India.