Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a decisive address to the nation on Monday evening, making his first public comments since the recent India-Pakistan military conflict. Modi outlined the scale of India’s military response, confirmed the elimination of more than 100 terrorists in cross-border strikes, and made clear that the current ceasefire is only a “pause”-with India’s armed forces remaining fully operational and vigilant.
Key Highlights
Pakistan Pleads for De-escalation:
PM Modi revealed that, following the intense Indian military response, “Pakistan was asking the world to reduce tensions.” This came after India’s targeted strikes on terror hideouts and training camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), launched in retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
Over 100 Terrorists Eliminated:
Modi confirmed that Indian forces “struck hideouts, training centres of terrorists in Pakistan,” resulting in the deaths of more than 100 terrorists. The operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, was described as a focused campaign to destroy the “head of the snake” rather than just foot soldiers, marking a new approach in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine.
Pakistan’s Direct Appeal to Indian Military:
The Prime Minister disclosed that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted India’s military operations chief on May 10, seeking to halt further escalation. This outreach followed significant losses suffered by Pakistani forces and terror groups during India’s precision strikes.
Ceasefire Is Only a Pause:
Modi emphasized, “We have only paused our military action against Pakistan.” He made it clear that the ceasefire, which began at 5 PM on Saturday, is conditional and that India’s military remains on high alert, ready to respond to any further provocations or violations by Pakistan.
India Will Watch Pakistan’s Behaviour:
The Prime Minister stated unequivocally, “We will watch Pakistan’s behaviour.” He warned that any further aggression or support for terrorism would be met with an even stronger response, reiterating his directive that Indian retaliation to any Pakistani action would be “bigger and stronger.” Modi also stressed that India’s decisions would not be influenced by external actors, underlining the country’s sovereignty and resolve.
Continued Vigilance and Operational Readiness:
Senior military officials, including Air Marshal AK Bharti and DGMO Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, confirmed that all Indian military bases and systems remain fully operational and prepared for any mission. The border situation, while currently calm, is being closely monitored.
“We gave a free hand to the Indian Army to bury the terrorists. Our message is clear-India will not tolerate terrorism, and our military is ready for any challenge,” PM Modi declared.
As schools and public life gradually return to normal in non-border districts of Jammu and Kashmir, the government and military remain vigilant, signaling that the path to lasting peace depends squarely on Pakistan’s actions in the days ahead.
Source: NDTV, CNBC-TV18, India Today, Reuters
