GANDHINAGAR — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stated that India will no longer tolerate the ongoing proxy war allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan, describing recent terrorist incidents as not merely cross-border attacks but a deliberate and systemic war strategy. Addressing a massive public rally at Mahatma Mandir in Gujarat’s capital, Modi tied historical context to present-day geopolitics, signalling a firm policy shift in India’s approach to terrorism.
The event marked the 20th anniversary of Gujarat’s Urban Growth Story, during which Modi also inaugurated developmental projects valued at ₹5,536 crore, showcasing the state’s urban transformation over the last two decades.
From Partition to Present: Rewriting the Narrative
Recalling the trauma of India’s Partition in 1947, Modi expressed that the division of the nation into three parts led to not just territorial loss but also unleashed an unending cycle of violence.
“The very night our country was partitioned, Kashmir suffered its first terror strike. The region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was taken away under the garb of terrorism. If the threat had been neutralised on day one, our national integrity might not have faced this prolonged threat,” he said.
He further criticised the failure of successive governments in the early decades post-Independence for not pursuing a more assertive response.
Pakistan’s Role: From Covert Support to State Salutes
Calling out what he alleged to be Pakistan’s overt support for terrorism, the Prime Minister said, “Terrorists branded by the United States as global threats are given military honours and state funerals in Pakistan. That is not diplomacy—it’s war.”
His remarks followed the events of Operation Sindoor, which he described as a pivotal turning point. Referring to the military operation carried out after May 6, he said, “Nine terror hideouts were eliminated in just 22 minutes. That was no ordinary response—it was a statement.”
‘Terrorism Has Crossed the Line—It Is Now War’
Modi made it clear that the Indian government views recent escalations not as isolated events but as state-sponsored acts of war. With a charged tone, he questioned the audience, “Should we continue to tolerate these attacks? Or should we now respond in a language they understand?”
He added that these acts no longer fall under the classic definitions of insurgency or terrorism, but rather form part of a larger war doctrine aimed at destabilising India. “We are no longer looking at terrorism as just a shadow war. It is a full-blown strategy, executed with state support,” Modi stated.
Operation Sindoor and the Shift in Policy
The Prime Minister highlighted Operation Sindoor as a watershed moment in India’s national security doctrine. Conducted after May 6, the operation involved surgical strikes on terror camps across the border. According to Modi, the mission’s success changed the operational rules of engagement.
“This time, we didn’t wait for diplomatic approvals or behind-the-scenes negotiations. We acted, swiftly and publicly. Cameras captured every moment—not to satisfy political queries but to remove any scope for denial,” he said, alluding to previous calls for proof following similar operations.
Proof of State-Sponsored Terrorism
Modi went on to accuse Pakistan of giving full military honours to terrorists who were neutralised during the operation. “Their coffins were wrapped in Pakistan’s national flag. They were accorded military salutes. Can anyone now argue this is not a state-sponsored war?” he asked.
He warned that India’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness. “We are a nation of peace, but also of resolve. If we are forced into conflict, we will respond with proportional strength,” he said.
Balancing Peace with Preparedness
While asserting India’s right to defend itself, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to global peace. “We follow the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. But let no one forget this is also the land of Shivaji, Rana Pratap, and Guru Gobind Singh,” he said.
He added that India’s emphasis on development should not be misread as indifference to national security threats. “We were building infrastructure, hospitals, and schools. In return, they sent trained killers to spill blood.”
Indus Waters Treaty: A Missed Opportunity?
The Prime Minister also revisited the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as a prime example of India’s misplaced generosity. He alleged that the treaty imposed technical restrictions on sediment clearance for dams in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in severely compromised water storage over the decades.
“The agreement dictated that bottom gates remain shut. Reservoirs meant to store water up to 100% capacity are today functioning at a mere 2–3% efficiency,” he said.
He added that the current government had only “partially opened the gates and started desilting,” which allegedly led to flooding on the other side of the border, causing panic. “We haven’t broken the treaty—we have just implemented it with wisdom. The other side couldn’t handle even that,” he remarked.
Development Amidst Conflict
Throughout his speech, Modi drew a sharp contrast between India’s focus on growth and Pakistan’s alleged agenda of sabotage. “While we invested in digital infrastructure, urban renewal, and sustainable livelihoods, they invested in weapons, propaganda, and radicalisation.”
He mentioned that the ₹5,536 crore worth of urban development projects inaugurated today serve as an example of India’s progress-driven model. “Our goal is to ensure prosperity for every Indian—no matter the challenges.”
Opposition and Accountability
Modi also appeared to take a swipe at the opposition parties that had previously demanded evidence for military operations. “This time, we made sure everything was in front of the camera. There should be no confusion. The adversary has themselves admitted the truth by honouring those killed,” he said.
The Prime Minister made a case for unity across the political spectrum in the fight against terrorism. “National security must not be a matter of party politics. It must be a matter of national consensus.”
Looking Ahead
By framing terrorism as state-sponsored war, Modi has positioned India’s security strategy at a new inflection point. His speech comes not only as a warning to adversaries but also as a message to global observers that India will no longer differentiate between non-state actors and their state sponsors.
As tensions remain high, the broader implications of Modi’s remarks could influence India’s future diplomatic and military posture. With a clear shift in tone from past rhetoric, India appears ready to adopt a more assertive defence doctrine.
India, according to PM Modi, is no longer in the mood to wait, react, or plead. It will act—and it will act decisively.
