Watching Prime Minister Modi’s speech and his body language, one was immediately reminded of former US President George W Bush’s “War on Terror” doctrine following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. At that time, there was no Soviet Union and the United States was standing as the sole superpower, Bush declared that “terrorism does not only affect America, but affects the entire world.” He famously stated, “Our war on terror begins with Al Qaeda, but it does not end there.”
Echoing the assertiveness of a global power, Modi declared, “Operation Sindoor is now India’s policy against terror.” This marked a definitive shift in India’s approach—no longer burdened by the image of a tolerant nation but instead embracing a policy of firm retaliation. Though there was temporary suspension of firing, Modi’s assertion that “Operation paused only; we’ll keep an eye on Pakistan’s activities” made it clear that this was merely a temporary halt. India will continue to monitor Pakistan, and even without a fresh provocation, it will not remain passive if a threat emerges from Pakistan’s soil.
Modi’s message was unequivocal: “Pakistan’s support to terror groups will no longer go unchecked.” India will not stay silent any longer. As he asserted, “We have shown that India will not be a silent spectator.” India’s response to terrorism, he warned, will be intense and uncompromising: “Our response to terrorism will be decisive and swift.” India is confident in its defence capabilities and will not be swayed by nuclear threats: “India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail.”
There will be no more discussions on Indus water sharing or trade. The only subjects open for dialogue are terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK): “Talks with Pakistan can only happen on terror and return of PoJK, nothing else.” This was also a clear message to international actors—including figures like Donald Trump—who have proposed mediation: there is no room for external intervention.
This is not merely a warning to Pakistan, but to all South Asian countries. India’s policy has fundamentally changed. It is now a policy of “War on Terror”—or “Operation Sindoor.” It is a message from the world’s fourth-largest military power to any nation that offers its soil to anti-India forces for fostering terrorism. Modi emphasized that India is not alone in this fight: “The world is with India in its fight against terrorism.” This implies, Operation Sindoor is not only India’s but World’s war on terror.
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