A recent News18 survey has revealed that over 88 per cent of respondents across India place their trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi when it comes to national security matters. The poll was conducted in the context of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military strike launched after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
The survey, carried out on May 6 and 7, 2025, collected responses from 14,671 participants nationwide using advanced polling software via News18’s websites, social media platforms, and television channels. When asked, “Do you believe that PM Modi has consistently taken a strong stand when it comes to national security?” a decisive 88.06 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership on national interest issues.
Over 88% Trust PM Modi On National Security Matters After Op Sindoor: News18 Survey.https://t.co/Dupoc5SsbY
via NaMo App pic.twitter.com/HnIdRpbQOL
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) June 8, 2025
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the terror attack on April 22 in J&K’s Pahalgam area, where terrorists killed 26 civilians in one of the deadliest attacks in recent years. The Indian government struck terror hideouts deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, signalling a firm response against cross-border terrorism. The Prime Minister emphasized that India would respond to every terrorist attack decisively, with the Armed Forces determining the timing and method of retaliation.
📍 PM Modi at Adampur Airbase.
"They now know—if they dare raise eyes against India, the result will be Tabahi."
"If they harm innocents, the only answer will be Vinash… and Maha Vinash." pic.twitter.com/RaoN79jQco
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) May 13, 2025
The backdrop of Operation Sindoor is not new in recent Indian history. India’s strong stance against terrorism includes several landmark military actions: the 2016 surgical strikes across the Line of Control following the Uri attack, and the 2019 Balakot airstrike in response to the Pulwama suicide bombing. Both operations underscored India’s commitment to combating terror threats emanating from across the border.
Setback for Rahul Gandhi: Leadership Under Fire as Public Rejects
Meanwhile, the opposition Congress party, led by MP Rahul Gandhi, has attempted to politicize the situation by accusing the Prime Minister of “surrendering” to Pakistan after a call from then US President Donald Trump. Rahul Gandhi coined the slogan “Narender Surrender” to allege that PM Modi halted the attacks prematurely. The Congress also circulated a two-panel cartoon on social media portraying Trump ordering Modi to surrender, which drew widespread criticism.
Respondents to the News18 poll overwhelmingly rejected Rahul Gandhi’s remarks. When asked, “Is the remark ‘Narender Surrender’ in good taste?” a massive 87.55 per cent answered “No,” with only 12.45 per cent saying “Yes.”
#News18Survey | #NarenderSurrender jibe—fair or foul?
🔹 87% say the remark was in bad taste
🔹 75% believe such attacks compromise national interest
🔹 88% feel PM has shown strong stand on national security#PMModi #RahulGandhi #OperationSindoor #DonaldTrump | @RShivshankar pic.twitter.com/TKl9tDm5xj— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 7, 2025
This public opinion clearly indicates strong support for PM Modi’s handling of national security issues and a rejection of opposition attempts to politicize India’s counterterrorism efforts.
The survey’s findings come at a time when national security remains a key concern for Indians, especially after repeated terror attacks in J&K. The overwhelming trust in PM Modi’s leadership on these matters reflects widespread confidence in the government’s ability to safeguard the country’s interests.
This strong public endorsement of PM Modi on national security matters comes as a significant boost to the Modi government, which is completing its first year after securing a historic third term. The overwhelming trust reflected in the survey not only reinforces the government’s tough stance on terrorism but also consolidates its political position ahead of future challenges.
