Washington DC [US], May 13 (ANI): Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national address on Operation Sindoor, Michael Kugelman, a South Asia analyst based in Washington DC, praised the speech for clearly highlighting India’s resolve to respond to terrorist threats decisively and robustly, regardless of nuclear considerations.
Kugelman noted that the most striking aspect of the address was the unambiguous stance taken by PM Modi, drawing a clear line between terrorist groups and the governments that sponsor them. Speaking to ANI, Kugelman remarked, “It clearly emphasized the fact that India was responding to a horrific terrorist attack that, in India’s view, is linked to Pakistan. Additionally, there were strong expressions of support for the Indian military forces, particularly regarding India’s stance on terrorism and future responses.”
He also noted PM Modi’s declaration that India will not be deterred by nuclear threats when addressing acts of terror. Kugelman said, “The address demonstrated that India has essentially reset the terms of how it will respond to future attacks, with an emphasis on decisive and robust action, not hindered by nuclear threats. One of the key points was the explicit connection made between terrorists and the state sponsors behind them.”
During his address, PM Modi firmly stated that any future talks with Pakistan would focus solely on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). “If there are talks with Pakistan, it will be only on terrorism; and if there are talks with Pakistan, it will be only on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK),” he asserted.
PM Modi also warned Pakistan about the consequences of supporting terrorism, stating that such actions could ultimately lead to Pakistan’s downfall. “If Pakistan wants to survive, it must dismantle its terror infrastructure. There is no other path to peace,” he added.
Operation Sindoor was launched as a response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. India retaliated by conducting precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists. The Indian Armed Forces also targeted Pakistani air bases in response to subsequent hostilities.
PM Modi’s address, according to Kugelman, reflects a significant shift in India’s counterterrorism approach, signaling to both domestic and international audiences that India will continue to adopt a firm stance against terrorism and its sponsors.
About The Author
