top of page

Enemy Surrendered Within 22 Minutes: PM Modi on Operation Sindoor’s Swift Success

In a landmark moment for Indian military strategy and technological self-reliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the enemy forces surrendered within just 22 minutes during Operation Sindoor, an airstrike campaign launched in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in April. Speaking at an event commemorating the 100th anniversary of the meeting between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi, Modiji emphasized the role of indigenously made weapons in delivering this swift and decisive response.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the centenary celebration meeting of the historic conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi. (PTI) | Hindustan Times
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the centenary celebration meeting of the historic conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi. (PTI) | Hindustan Times

The Spark: Pahalgam Terror Attack

The operation was triggered by one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in recent years. On April 22, 2025, a well-coordinated strike by Pakistan-based terror groups in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, left 26 civilians dead. The brazen nature of the assault, which was traced back to organizations such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, ignited outrage across India and prompted the government to respond with unprecedented precision and strength.


Precision Strikes and Tactical Dominance

India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7. It involved simultaneous missile and drone attacks on nine identified terror training camps located deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. What made the operation historic was the use of fully indigenous weapons systems, including the Akash surface-to-air missiles and the supersonic BrahMos missiles. These strikes not only eliminated over 100 terrorists, including top commanders, but also demonstrated India's capability to carry out a sophisticated non-contact military response.


Prime Minister Modi's statement that the enemy surrendered in 22 minutes underscores the overwhelming effectiveness of the mission. He attributed this rapid outcome to the firepower of “Made in India” weaponry, asserting that the success of this operation had significantly boosted the global reputation of Indian defence manufacturing.


Pakistan’s Concession and Diplomatic Ceasefire

Pakistan initially responded with retaliatory drone strikes and limited artillery shelling under what it dubbed "Operation Bunyan al-Marsus." However, the Indian Navy’s deployment of 36 warships, including aircraft carriers, resulted in a maritime blockade that left Pakistani naval units confined to their harbors. Simultaneously, Indian Air Force jets hit two Pakistani airbases—Nur Khan and Shorkot—crippling their aerial retaliation capabilities.


With mounting internal pressure and growing international concern over a full-scale conflict, Pakistan’s leadership was forced to request a ceasefire. On May 10, diplomatic negotiations mediated through backchannels led to a temporary cessation of hostilities. PM Modi later confirmed that the ceasefire was requested by Pakistan itself—a significant diplomatic win for India.


A Shift in Strategic Doctrine

Operation Sindoor marks a significant departure from previous Indian responses to cross-border terrorism. Rather than relying on covert or symbolic retaliations, this operation showcased a full-spectrum, technology-driven, and calibrated offensive that imposed real costs on the perpetrators. Defence experts have described it as India’s first major step into a "non-contact warfare" paradigm—dominated by missiles, drones, and precision munitions instead of boots on the ground.


More importantly, it signals the establishment of a new strategic doctrine: one of cost-imposition and deterrence. The message is clear—India will no longer tolerate attacks on its soil without proportionate and visible consequences.


Eliminating Key Threats

Among those reportedly neutralized during the operation was Abdul Rauf Azhar, a top Jaish-e-Mohammed commander involved in several past attacks, including the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the murder of journalist Daniel Pearl. His death delivered a major blow to Pakistan-based terror networks and was seen as a direct hit to the command-and-control structures of such organizations.


The operation's precision ensured that no Pakistani civilian or official military targets were harmed, underlining India’s intent to strike only at terror infrastructure without provoking full-scale war.


Zero Tolerance and Political Messaging

Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the government's stance in the aftermath of the operation, declaring that “India’s blood is not meant to be shed,” while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned of disastrous consequences for any nation that supports terrorism against India. The consistent political messaging has bolstered India’s image as a nation that seeks peace but does not shy away from retaliating with strength and clarity.


Misinformation and the Need for Media Responsibility

As with any high-stakes conflict, Operation Sindoor also witnessed a surge of misinformation on social media. Numerous fake videos and unrelated footage were circulated, falsely attributed to the strikes. While the government remained focused on the operation’s objectives, media experts have called for stricter verification protocols to prevent such digital manipulation during future military campaigns.


Conclusion: The Dawn of a New Military India

Operation Sindoor was not merely a military response—it was a message to the world. India is no longer hesitant or reactive. It is now assertive, precise, and self-reliant. The operation highlighted India’s indigenous defence capabilities, established a new deterrence doctrine, and showcased the country’s readiness to take swift action when national security is threatened.


By forcing the enemy to surrender in under half an hour, India demonstrated that it is capable of both defending its sovereignty and reshaping regional dynamics with calculated strength. In Modi’s words, “Our enemies must know—India will not tolerate terror. And when we strike, we strike with resolve.”



Comments


bottom of page