Why in News?

• PM Modi addressed the nation for the first time after Operation Sindoor, India’s most intense military action since Kargil. During his address, he outlined a new anti-terror doctrine.
• Building on the precedent set by the Uri and Balakot strikes, the doctrine is based on three pillars:
  • India will respond to terrorism on its own terms;
  • Nuclear threats will not deter India from acting;
  • There will be no distinction between terrorists, their leaders, and the states that support them.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India’s Evolving Anti-Terror Doctrine
• Other Highlights of the Speech Delivered by PM Modi

India’s Evolving Anti-Terror Doctrine

• Following Operation Sindoor, PM Modi announced a significant shift in India's counter-terrorism policy.
• Building on the precedents set by the Uri surgical strikes (2016) and the Balakot airstrikes (2019), the new doctrine signals a bolder and more aggressive stance.
• Three Core Principles of the New Doctrine
  • Response on India’s Terms: India will choose the timing, nature, and scale of its response to terror attacks.
  • No Tolerance for “Nuclear Blackmail”: India will not be deterred by Pakistan’s nuclear posturing.
  • No Distinction Between Terrorists and State Sponsors: There will be no separation between terrorists, their masterminds, and the governments supporting them.
• New Normal in India’s Response to Terror
  • Operation Sindoor is positioned as a benchmark and a new standard in India’s fight against terrorism.
  • This lowers the threshold for future Indian military responses and projects a higher degree of offensive readiness.
• Framing India’s Fight in the Global War on Terror
  • PM Modi linked India’s actions to the global anti-terror campaign, comparing the strikes against Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba to global responses to terror after 9/11.
  • This positions India as a global stakeholder in counter-terrorism.
• India’s Military Superiority Highlighted
  • The PM praised India’s technological edge, highlighting the destruction of Pakistani drones and airbases using advanced air defence systems and precision missile strikes.
  • He also highlighted India’s ability to strike deep inside Pakistan, damaging key airbases and exposing Pakistan’s vulnerabilities.
• Decision to Pause: A Strategic Choice
  • PM Modi defended the decision to halt military action after achieving key objectives, citing Pakistan’s appeal through diplomatic channels and its pledge to de-escalate.
• International Messaging: “This is Not the Era of Terrorism”
  • To counter accusations of war-mongering, Modi invoked his now-famous phrase, “This is not the era of war,” and adapted it: “This is also not the era of terrorism.”
  • He called for global unity and zero tolerance against terrorism for a safer world.
• Firm Red Lines on Talks with Pakistan
  • India reaffirmed its long-standing position:
    • No talks with Pakistan unless they are about terrorism and PoK.
    • Terror and talks, trade, or even water cannot go together.

Other Highlights of the Speech Delivered by PM Modi

• Operation Sindoor: A Symbol of Justice
  • Operation Sindoor is more than a military campaign — it symbolizes national resolve and emotional unity.
  • PM described it as India’s commitment to justice after the Pahalgam terror attack.
• Suspension, Not Withdrawal
  • Following heavy losses, Pakistan sought de-escalation. India agreed to suspend action after destroying major terror infrastructure, but Modi made it clear that future actions depend on Pakistan’s conduct.
• Full Freedom to Armed Forces
  • Modi emphasized that Indian armed forces were given a free hand to act.
  • Operation Sindoor now stands as a new counter-terrorism policy, showcasing India’s growing military independence and strategic assertiveness.
• Strong Message to Pakistan
  • India reiterated its policy:
    • No talks with Pakistan unless focused on terrorism or PoK.
    • No trade or water-sharing under terror threats.
    • Pakistan must dismantle its terror infrastructure or face destruction.
• Peace Through Strength
• On Buddha Purnima, Modi invoked Lord Buddha’s message of peace, emphasizing that power is essential to protect peace.
• He said a strong India is critical to achieving Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
• Mastery of Modern Warfare
  • India demonstrated 21st-century warfare capability in Operation Sindoor.
  • Modi lauded the effectiveness of Made-in-India weapons and projected India as a future-ready military power.
  • He reiterated that unity and zero tolerance for terror are India’s guiding principles for global peace.