India Hits Terror Nerve Centre: PM Modi Lists Clear Objectives of Operation Sindoor

On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 individuals, shaking the nation and prompting a resolute response from the Indian government. In the wake of the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the time for symbolic gestures was over. India, he said, would directly target the epicentre of terrorism. This set the tone for Operation Sindoor, a military campaign designed not just to retaliate, but to redefine how India deals with cross-border terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on Operation Sindoor on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 | Firstpost

Precision Strikes: The Execution of Operation Sindoor

On the night of May 6–7, 2025, India launched one of its most audacious and coordinated military operations in recent history. Indian Air Force jets, supported by Navy and Army surveillance systems, penetrated deep into Pakistani and Pakistan-occupied territories, striking nine terrorist camps. Within just 23 minutes, the Indian forces had executed precise airstrikes, using Rafale aircraft equipped with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs, as well as BrahMos cruise missiles and advanced SkyStriker drones. These strikes reportedly eliminated over 100 terrorists and destroyed critical infrastructure in areas such as Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad.

The operation, coordinated through India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System, was not just a demonstration of military capability, but also of strategic speed. According to the Prime Minister, the objective was achieved in the exact time frame they had aimed for. “We took revenge for April 22 in just 22 minutes,” Modiji stated in Parliament, highlighting the symbolic and strategic significance of the operation’s timing.

Neutralising the Epicentre: Strategic and Tactical Wins

In his address to Parliament, PM Modi elaborated on the specific targets and the rationale behind choosing them. Unlike previous operations that aimed at infiltration routes or temporary launchpads, Operation Sindoor was focused on permanent terror infrastructures. These included training camps, logistical bases, and safe houses linked to globally known terror outfits operating with impunity in Pakistan.

Indian intelligence reports revealed that the locations targeted were being used not just for training jihadists but also for coordinating global terrorism. The use of high-precision guided munitions allowed India to neutralize these hubs without civilian casualties, reinforcing India’s image as a responsible global actor even in the face of provocation.

“Bharat Ayega Aur Maar Kar Jayega”: A New Strategic Doctrine

PM Modi used the Parliament platform to unveil what he termed India’s new standard in national security: “Bharat ayega aur maar kar jayega”—India will come, strike, and return. This phrase, he said, encapsulates the new normal. India will not wait for permission, nor will it be held hostage by nuclear threats or diplomatic pressure. Instead, it will retaliate at a time and place of its choosing.

The Prime Minister stressed that India's fight is not just against terrorists with guns but also against the ecosystem that enables terrorism, including handlers, funders, and enablers in the Pakistani establishment. "Those who thought they were immune behind their nuclear blackmail have now seen the truth," Modiji asserted.

Defending the Homeland: Responding to Pakistan’s Retaliation

In the days that followed Operation Sindoor, Pakistan attempted a counter-response, launching a barrage of drones and missiles across the Line of Control and into Indian territory. However, India’s multi-layered air defense systems, including S-400 interceptors and anti-UAV technology, were fully prepared. Nearly 1,000 hostile aerial objects were intercepted and neutralized, averting what could have been a major escalation.

India did not stop at defense. It struck back at Pakistani missile bases, reportedly damaging facilities in Lahore and along key command infrastructure. These counterstrikes further weakened Pakistan’s ability to retaliate, forcing it into accepting a ceasefire.

Ceasefire Achieved, But Not the End

On May 10, a ceasefire was brokered after high-level diplomatic engagement, especially from international stakeholders concerned about escalation between two nuclear-armed states. However, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was clear in his statement: the operation was paused, not concluded. The message was unmistakable—India retains the right to respond again if provoked, and this campaign is part of a longer-term strategy to dismantle terror networks at their roots.

Political Messaging and Domestic Unity

During the monsoon session of Parliament, PM Modi also addressed domestic political criticism. He accused the opposition, particularly the Congress party, of questioning the armed forces and speaking in a tone that echoed Pakistan’s narrative. Modiji reminded the House that Operation Sindoor was not about scoring political points but about restoring India’s global credibility and ensuring security for future generations.

He emphasized that no foreign leader had pressured India to halt the operation, dismissing rumors of diplomatic interference. “The world saw that India stood firm, acted decisively, and returned after completing its mission. This is the India of the 21st century,” he declared.

Conclusion: A Redefined India in the Global Security Landscape

Operation Sindoor marks a critical shift in India’s counter-terrorism and defense doctrine. It showcased not just military capability but a political will that had often been questioned in the past. By directly hitting terror sanctuaries and responding proportionately to provocations, India sent a clear message to its adversaries: terrorism will be punished, no matter where it originates.

The doctrine of "Bharat ayega aur maar kar jayega" is not just a slogan—it reflects a deeper transformation in India’s security thinking, one where deterrence is backed by swift and bold action. As PM Modi said, this is the new India—an India that defends with dignity and strikes with precision.

(Sources: Firstpost, Hindustan Times, NDTV)