Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation via videoconference on May 12, reflecting on recent national security developments. In his address, he stated that the country had demonstrated both strength and restraint in recent days. He saluted the country's armed forces, intelligence agencies, and scientists on behalf of every Indian citizen.

Highlighting the courage and dedication of the Indian armed forces during Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister acknowledged their valor, resilience, and indomitable spirit. He dedicated their unparalleled bravery to every mother, sister, and daughter of the nation.

Condemning the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22—which shocked both the nation and the world—Modi described it as a gruesome act of terror where innocent civilians enjoying their holidays were brutally murdered after being questioned about their faith, in front of their families and children.

He emphasized that this was not only an act of cruelty but also a vile attempt to fracture India's social harmony. Expressing deep anguish over the attack, he underlined that the entire nation—across communities, political parties, and social sections—stood united in demanding decisive action against terrorism. He asserted that the government had granted the armed forces full freedom to eliminate the perpetrators and warned all terrorist organizations that they now understood the consequences of targeting the dignity of Indian women.

"Operation Sindoor is not just a name, but a reflection of the emotions of millions of Indians," the Prime Minister said, describing it as an unwavering pledge to justice, which the world witnessed being fulfilled on May 6-7. He detailed that the Indian armed forces executed precise strikes on terrorist hideouts and training centers in Pakistan, delivering a decisive blow. He noted that terrorists never anticipated such a bold move from India, but when the nation stands united with Nation First as its guiding principle, firm decisions are made and impactful outcomes achieved.

India’s missile and drone strikes dismantled terrorist hubs in Pakistan, crushing not only their infrastructure but also their morale, the Prime Minister stated. He pointed out that locations such as Bahawalpur and Muridke had long served as breeding grounds of global terrorism, with connections to attacks like 9/11, the London Tube bombings, and decades of violence against India. He declared that, as terrorists had dared to attack the dignity of Indian women, India had responded by obliterating the headquarters of terror. The operation resulted in the elimination of over 100 dangerous terrorists, including key figures plotting against India for decades, he added.

PM Modi said that India's precision strikes left Pakistan frustrated and desperate. In retaliation, Pakistan launched attacks on Indian schools, colleges, gurudwaras, temples, and civilian homes, as well as military bases. However, India’s advanced air defense systems neutralized these attacks mid-air, exposing Pakistan's vulnerabilities, he noted. While Pakistan had prepared to attack India's borders, India struck at its core, destroying key airbases within the first three days of the response. Following these countermeasures, Pakistan began seeking de-escalation, reaching out to India’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) on May 10. By then, India had already dismantled significant terrorist infrastructure and eliminated key militants, Modi informed. Pakistan assured India that it would cease all terrorist activities and military aggression. India, after reviewing the situation, decided to temporarily suspend its counter-operations but reiterated that this was not the end. India would continue to closely monitor Pakistan's actions, ensuring its future conduct aligns with its commitments.

The Prime Minister emphasized that India's armed forces—including the Army, Air Force, Navy, Border Security Force (BSF), and paramilitary units—remain on high alert, ensuring the nation’s security at all times. He declared Operation Sindoor as India's new established policy in the fight against terrorism, marking a paradigm shift in its strategic approach.

He outlined three key pillars of India’s new security doctrine:
1.    Decisive Retaliation: Any terrorist attack on India will be met with a strong and resolute response, targeting terror hubs at their roots.
2.    No Tolerance for Nuclear Blackmail: India will not be intimidated by nuclear threats. Any terrorist haven operating under this guise will face precise and decisive strikes.
3.    No Distinction Between Terror Sponsors and Terrorists: India will no longer separate terrorist leaders from the governments that shelter them.

He further pointed out that during Operation Sindoor, the world once again witnessed Pakistan’s deep entanglement in state-sponsored terrorism, as senior Pakistani military officials were seen attending funerals of eliminated terrorists. India, he affirmed, will continue to take decisive steps to protect its citizens from any threat.

Modi asserted that India has consistently defeated Pakistan on the battlefield and that Operation Sindoor has added a new dimension to the nation’s military prowess, proving India's superiority in both desert and mountainous warfare, as well as New Age Warfare. He highlighted the effectiveness of Made in India defense equipment during the operation, stating that the world is now witnessing India's defense capabilities as a formidable force in 21st-century warfare.

Reaffirming that unity is India’s greatest strength, he underlined that while this is an era of peace, it cannot be one of terrorism. "Zero tolerance against terrorism is the guarantee of a better and safer world," he declared.

The Prime Minister warned that Pakistan’s military and government have long nurtured terrorism, which will ultimately lead to their own downfall. He stated that Pakistan must dismantle its terror infrastructure if it seeks survival—there is no other path to peace. Modi reaffirmed that terror and talks cannot coexist, terror and trade cannot run parallel, and blood and water cannot flow together. He reiterated that any dialogue with Pakistan will focus solely on terrorism and the issue of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, the Prime Minister reflected on Lord Buddha’s teachings, emphasizing 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 realize the dream of a Viksit Bharat. He asserted that for India to uphold peace, it must remain strong—and exercise that strength when necessary. Concluding his address, he once again saluted the valor of the Indian armed forces and expressed his deep respect for the courage and unity of the people of India.