New Delhi, May 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a powerful address to the nation on Monday, declared that just as the world agrees it is “not an era of war,” it is also “not an era of terror.” The remark came amid heightened tensions with Pakistan following India’s retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor.
Calling Pakistan a “living example of state-sponsored terrorism,” PM Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering stance against terrorism, regardless of threats of “nuclear blackmail.” In a clear message, he said: “Terror and talk, terror and trade, and water and blood cannot flow together. Talks with Pakistan will only be on terror.”
Speaking on Buddha Purnima, a day symbolizing peace, the Prime Minister emphasized that India seeks peace but will not hesitate to use its strength to defend it. He credited the armed forces for their bravery and underlined that the government’s firm decisions stem from its “Nation First” policy.
PM Modi also warned that Pakistan’s terror infrastructure would ultimately destroy it. “We struck terror hubs in the heart of that country and destroyed its defence facilities when it chose aggression over cooperation in fighting terrorism,” he said, noting India’s elimination of 100 terrorists in recent operations.
Earlier, the Prime Minister chaired a high-level security review at his residence with key ministers and top security officials. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force attended the meeting.
Also present were Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, IB Director Tapan Deka, and RAW Chief Ravi Sinha. The meeting reviewed the outcomes of Operation Sindoor and discussed the upcoming Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) talks with Pakistan, scheduled for Monday evening to sustain the ceasefire and explore further de-escalation.
