Terrorism a Deliberate War Strategy by Pakistan: Modi

GANDHINAGAR:  Terrorism is not a proxy war but a deliberate and calculated military strategy adopted by Pakistan, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, adding that Pakistan was engaging in war through terrorism and that India will respond to it in a decisive manner.

Addressing an event celebrating 20 years of the Gujarat Urban Growth Story in Gandhinagar, Modi said that over the past two days during his visit to Vadodara, Dahod, Bhuj, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, he has been experiencing the fervour of patriotism with the roar of success of Operation Sindoor and flying the Tricolour.

“India had made up its mind to weed out the thorn of terrorism and did it with utmost conviction,” Modi said.

Recalling the first terrorist attack on India in 1947, right after the partition of India, the Prime Minister said that one part was usurped by Pakistan harbouring the terrorists. He recalled Sardar Patel’s vision, emphasising that the Indian Army should not have halted until Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was reclaimed.

“Sardar Patel’s advice was not followed,” Modi said and stressed that this legacy of terrorism has continued for the last 75 years and the terrorist attack in Pahalgam is the latest example of it.

"We should have neutralised the Mujahideens who entered Kashmir in 1947 and then the present situation would not have arisen," he said, referring to the incursions in Kashmir immediately after Independence.

The Prime Minister asserted that despite playing diplomatic games, Pakistan repeatedly faced India’s military strength in war. He noted that on three occasions, India’s armed forces decisively defeated Pakistan, making it clear that Pakistan cannot triumph in direct military conflict. Thereafter, the neighbouring country resorted to proxy warfare. Terrorists were pushed into India through systematic military training to target innocent and unarmed civilians, including those undertaking peaceful pilgrimages.

Highlighting India’s deep-rooted cultural values and the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which regards the entire world as one family, the Prime Minister stated that India has upheld this tradition for centuries and continues to seek peaceful and harmonious relations with its neighbours.

The Prime Minister pointed out that while India had always advocated for peace and stability, the repeated challenges to its strength have necessitated firm responses. He said that historically, what was termed proxy war has now evolved, especially after India launched Operation Sindoor. He asserted that given recent developments, referring to such acts as a proxy war will be a mistake.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, Modi noted that nine identified terrorist bases were eliminated within 22 minutes, with full transparency ensured through camera documentation, so that no evidence could be questioned domestically.

Modi mentioned that following the first Operation Sindoor strike, terrorist funerals were conducted in Pakistan with full state honours, their coffins draped in Pakistan national flags and they were even saluted by the Pakistani military, clearly indicating that these were not isolated militant activities but part of a structured war approach.

“If such strategies are employed, an equally decisive response will be given,” Modi said.

Talking about the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which was put in abeyance post-Pahalgam attack, Modi highlighted issues related to water resources in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out that although dams were constructed on rivers, proper maintenance and desilting were neglected for 60 years.

Modi said that gates meant for water regulation were left unopened, leading to a drastic reduction in storage capacity — from full utilisation to merely two to three per cent.

The Prime Minister asserted that Indians must receive their rightful access to water and stated that while significant steps have yet to be taken, initial measures have begun.

Modi noted that May 26 marked the anniversary of his first oath-taking as the Prime Minister in 2014. He acknowledged the challenges faced, including the battle against Covid-19, difficulties with neighbouring nations and natural calamities.

“Despite these obstacles, India’s rapid economic growth, rising from the 11th to the fourth position globally,” the Prime Minister said and reaffirmed the country’s vision for development and its unwavering commitment to progress.