Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday claimed that the recent spate of terror attacks in India is a planned and systematic war strategy by Pakistan, going beyond what had otherwise been described as a "proxy war."
While speaking to a huge gathering at Gandhinagar's Mahatma Mandir, where he inaugurated developmental schemes worth ₹5,536 crore to mark two decades of urban turnaround in Gujarat, PM Modi firmly criticized Pakistan's reputed state-sponsored patronage for terrorism.
Emphasizing the seriousness of what has happened in recent times, he spoke of U.S.-declared terrorists being granted military honors and state funerals in Pakistan. Modi called it clear evidence of Pakistan's direct complicity in funding terrorism.
Reminding India of its bitter past, he stated, "In 1947, when Maa Bharati was partitioned, the chains could have been shattered, but instead, the nation was partitioned into three.". And, on the same evening, the first terror strike occurred in Kashmir. One portion of Maa Bharati was illegally snatched away by Pakistan on the pretext of terrorism. If the terrorists were only wiped out on that very day. Sardar Patel used to desire that until PoK is reclaimed, the army should not rest, but no one obeyed him."
He looked back at the prolonged violence of that period, further stating, "These terrorists, who had tasted blood, have been doing this for the last 75 years. Pahalgam was a gruesome example of the same. We did this for 75 years. Whenever we fought a war with Pakistan, all three times, the Indian armed forces gave a proper reply and defeated them.". Pakistan then realized it could not possibly win a traditional war and thus began a proxy war.
The Prime Minister wrote about the ongoing trend of attack on civilians throughout India, observing how terrorists attacked pilgrims, passengers on buses, guests in hotels, and tourists. "Trained terrorists were sent to India to attack innocent, unarmed citizens — some on pilgrimage, some on buses, some in hotels, others at tourist spots.". Wherever the terrorists had an opportunity, there they attacked. And we continued to tolerate it. You tell me, do we tolerate this? Do we not retaliate with bombs for bullets? Do we not eradicate terrorism from its roots?
" he asked the crowd. Highlighting India's long-standing faith in peace and harmony, PM Modi stated, "This nation has always progressed with the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.". We have lived by it for thousands of years, considering the whole world as our family. We desire peace for our neighbours too. Live and let others live in peace — this has been our motto for thousands of years.
But when teased again and again, one should not forget that this is a land of heroes."
Speaking of the recent military action under Operation Sindoor, he noted the events after May 6 had changed the paradigm completely. "Until now we used to refer to it as a proxy war, but after what we have witnessed after May 6, we cannot keep making that error. When nine terror hideouts were located and taken out within a mere 22 minutes, it was a defining message," the Prime Minister said.
Taking a subtle swipe at critics who call for evidence of military action, he said, "This time, all was done on camera so that no one in the country would ask for evidence. Now the other side is providing the evidence." PM Modi also emphasized the seriousness of Pakistan's activities after Operation Sindoor, stating, "This is no longer a proxy war.". Terrorists killed after May 6 were awarded state funerals in Pakistan. Their coffins were shrouded in Pakistan's flag and provided military salute. This evidently indicates that the terror operations were not just hidden acts — they were part of a state-backed, well-thought-out war strategy.
You are already at war, and you will receive the response accordingly."
He blamed Pakistan for being intent upon violence and India intent upon development. "We were engaged in labor, progressing on the path of development, committed to the well-being of everyone. But in turn, rivers of blood were spilled." Referring to previous policy choices, he mentioned the Indus Waters Treaty as a demonstration of India's compromises. "I want to tell the new generation how this country was led to destruction.". If you read the Indus Waters Treaty carefully, you will be surprised. It was resolved that the dams constructed on the rivers of Jammu and Kashmir would not be de-silted. De-silting was not allowed.
The bottom gates, which are used for removing sediments, were to be kept closed," he clarified. He further stated, "For sixty years, those gates remained shut.". Reservoirs that were to be filled up to 100 per cent are now at only 2 to 3 per cent. Can't my fellow citizens claim their water? Don't they deserve their rightful quota? We've done nothing extreme — we've simply suspended the treaty, and the other side got paranoid. We cracked open the gates a bit and started the purification process.
Even that resulted in flooding on their side.Modi ending his speech on a reiteration of Indian values said, "We don't have any enmity with anyone. We wish to live peacefully. We wish to develop so that we are able to make the world a better place. And for that, we are working diligently for all Indians.
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