New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, delivered a powerful and scathing response to the opposition’s criticism of Operation Sindoor, the Indian military’s retaliatory action following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. He accused the Congress party of repeatedly undermining the armed forces, weakening national security, and siding with narratives that mirror Pakistan’s propaganda.
Modi hailed the success of Operation Sindoor, saying it marked a new era in India’s national security doctrine. He praised the all-party delegation diplomacy that followed the operation, stating, “India now has the ‘Sindoor spirit’—a collective resolve and national unity in the face of terror threats.” He slammed the Congress for doubting the military strikes, stating, “First they denied the operation happened, and now they ask why it stopped. The country is laughing at them.”
Recalling the events after the April 22 terror attack, Modi said the Indian armed forces responded with precision within 22 minutes. Pakistan, fearing a major retaliation, resorted to nuclear threats. “India has proven that nuclear blackmail won’t work anymore,” he said, revealing that Pakistani airbases and key assets were left severely damaged. “Our forces struck deep inside Pakistan—Bahawalpur and Muridke—and dismantled terror camps,” he added, asserting that this was the first time such deep strikes had been carried out.
Highlighting the shift in India’s approach, Modi said the country now operates with a clear intent and decisive will. “Pakistan’s DGMO pleaded for a ceasefire. They now know India can go to any extent,” he said. He also revealed that U.S. Vice President JD Vance called him warning of a possible Pakistani retaliation, to which Modi replied, “If that’s their plan, they’ll pay dearly.”
Modi credited the success of Operation Sindoor to India’s self-reliance in defence, praising the “Make in India” initiative. He thanked young engineers and workers in the private defence sector, noting their contribution in producing drones and missiles that outperformed Pakistan’s imported systems. “Our air defence system intercepted nearly 99% of over 1,000 drones and missiles fired by Pakistan,” he said. The operation also saw the successful use of indigenous weapons like the Akash missile and systems like Pechora and OSA-AK.
Taking a historical view, the Prime Minister blamed Congress for missed opportunities, particularly after the 1971 war. “We had over 1,000 Pakistani soldiers and territory in our hands. With more vision, PoK could have been reclaimed,” he said. Modi also called the Indus Waters Treaty a diplomatic failure, accusing Nehru of giving away 80% of India’s river water to Pakistan under World Bank mediation. “Our rivers, our water—but who decided? The World Bank?” he asked.
Modi further accused Congress of undermining India’s armed forces in the past, citing incidents like the Kargil conflict, the Doklam standoff, and even the recent Pahalgam attack. He pointed out that when Wing Commander Abhinandan was captured in 2019, some in India doubted the government’s ability to bring him back. “But Abhinandan returned with pride and dignity. And so did the recently captured BSF jawan,” he said. He added that Congress statements often echoed those made in Pakistan, saying, “From comma to full stop, they match.”
In a strong emotional appeal, Modi said national interest should always be above politics. “Even if our political paths differ, our hearts must beat for India,” he said. He urged the opposition to debate fiercely, but always respect the sacrifices of Indian soldiers and the honour of Indian mothers. “If Mother India is attacked, we must strike back with full force, no matter where the enemy hides.”
The Prime Minister’s address, delivered with both emotion and aggression, was a clear attempt to project strength, defend military action, and position the BJP as the guardian of national security. It also served as a sharp counterattack to the Congress, which had accused the government of mishandling both the terror attack and the response.
