New Delhi, Aug 15 (PTI) – From the historic Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to Pakistan during his address on India's 79th Independence Day. He made it clear that terrorists and their supporters would receive equal treatment from India. In cases of future provocations, India's response will be decided by its armed forces.
Modi unveiled an ambitious mission, 'Sudarshan Chakra,' aimed at enhancing and modernizing the nation's defense shield. This initiative symbolizes India's commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing, including the development of domestic jet engines for fighter aircraft.
Commending the Indian armed forces for the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, he emphasized the significant damage it inflicted on Pakistan, with new details of its impact emerging regularly.
Modi categorically stated that India will no longer succumb to Pakistan's nuclear intimidation, establishing a "new normal" in its approach to cross-border terrorism. "We have established a new normal, terrorists and those who provide them safe haven will be treated alike. Both are equal enemies of humanity," Modi stated in his extensive 103-minute address.
He honored the valor of soldiers from Operation Sindoor, describing it as a manifestation of India's collective outrage against the Pahalgam attack. The operation served as a powerful response to the brutal incident.
India had retaliated to the April 22 Pahalgam attack with diplomatic and economic measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, as 26 individuals, mostly tourists, lost their lives in the attack.
On May 7, India initiated Operation Sindoor to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, leading to four days of hostilities that concluded with a mutual understanding on May 10.
Modi highlighted that the armed forces were granted autonomy to formulate strategy and determine punitive actions post the Pahalgam attack. In the future, the military will continue to lead the response.
Reflecting on the April 22nd attack, Modi reiterated the country's outrage, stating, "On April 22, terrorists from across the border came to Pahalgam and killed innocent people after asking their religion...Entire India was outraged, and the entire world was shocked. Operation Sindoor is the expression of that outrage."
Modi reiterated India's detection and response capabilities, emphasizing that future threats will be dealt with decisively by the defense forces.
Modi emphasized the unprecedented scale and precision of Operation Sindoor, noting the deep inroads made into hostile territory, resulting in the obliteration of terror bases.
Modi expounded on India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, declaring, "Now, blood and water will not flow together." He criticized the treaty as being one-sided and detrimental to Indian farmers.
Earlier, in a show of patriotism, two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force flew over the Red Fort, showering flower petals. One carried the tri-color, while the other displayed a banner of Operation Sindoor.
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