‘Could India and Modi sit silently after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam?’ says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India could not remain a mute spectator after the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir that unfolded on April 22.

Speaking at a public rally in Gujarat’s Dahod, Modi said the armed response through Operation Sindoor was not just a military move, but a reflection of India’s collective resolve and values.

“After what the terrorists did in Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam, could India sit silently? Could Modi sit silently?” the PM asked, as he addressed the crowd.

“When someone removes the sindoor from our sisters' and mothers' foreheads, then their removal is also confirmed,” he added.

He said Operation Sindoor was a testament to the Indian armed forces' courage and the nation’s commitment to fighting terrorism.

“Operation Sindoor is not just a military action, it is an expression of the values and emotions of Indians... Those who spread terrorism may have never even imagined in their dreams how tough a rivalry with Modi can be,” Modi said.

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Road to 'Viksit Bharat' is the goal: Modi

The Prime Minister said that India’s goals were not limited to military strength alone.

“India's goals are to eliminate poverty, strengthen the economy and become a developed nation. We will become a Viksit Bharat when we have strong defences and economy,” he said.

Targeting Pakistan without naming it directly, Modi said, “Our armed forces made Pakistan bite the dust with Operation Sindoor.”

He also issued a strong warning to those who attempt to disrupt peace in India.

“When someone tries to wipe off the sindoor of our sisters, their end is also sealed. The ones who spread terror never imagined how difficult it is to take on Modi,” he said.

The PM’s address comes a little over a month after the massacre in Pahalgam, which saw one of the deadliest terror attacks on civilians in Kashmir in recent years.

Operation Sindoor was launched in its aftermath and reportedly involved targeted strikes against terror infrastructure across the Line of Control.

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'Made in India' contributions to Operation Sindoor

A day earlier, during his monthly Mann ki Baat radio address, PM Modi praised India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology and said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the strength of indigenously developed systems.

“Our soldiers destroyed the terror bases with indomitable courage, using weapons, equipment and technology made in India. Operation Sindoor is a testament to India’s blood and sweat and the power of a self-reliant nation,” Modi said on Sunday.

He highlighted the role of Made-in-India platforms such as the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System, Akashteer Air Defence Control and Reporting System, and T-72 Main Battle Tanks in the operation. SkyStriker Loitering Munitions, developed in partnership with Israel, were used for precision strikes.

“The valor shown by our forces during Operation Sindoor has made every Indian proud,” he said, adding that the mission had also revived interest in local defence manufacturing. “After the campaign, Vocal for Local has seen a newfound enthusiasm.”

Describing the mission as “a picture of our resolve, courage and changing India,” the Prime Minister said the country was now united and determined to defeat terrorism. “Today this is the resolve of every Indian — we have to end terrorism.”