Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Monday, offering a strong endorsement of the recent military actions undertaken in response to cross-border terrorism. His address followed a period of heightened tension between India and Pakistan, marked by “Operation Sindoor” and subsequent retaliatory actions.
In his speech, PM Modi lauded the Indian security forces, the Army, Air Force, Navy, intelligence for their precision and effectiveness in targeting terrorist bases within Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). He emphasised the “befitting” response given to the acts of cross-border terrorism.
This address came shortly after a crucial telephonic conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan. This high-level communication, which followed days of heightened tension, aimed to de-escalate the situation and discuss the implications of recent events.
The recent escalation began with a deadly terrorist attack on April 22nd in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This attack, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and one local Kashmiri, was linked by Indian authorities to Pakistan-based terrorist groups.
India’s response was swift and decisive. The country launched precision cruise missile strikes targeting what were described as terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and PoJK. These strikes, according to Indian Defence sources, were carefully targeted to minimise civilian casualties.
However, Pakistan responded with its own escalation. The Pakistani military, wielding considerable influence over the civilian government, retaliated by launching a barrage of drone attacks in border areas in India. This prompted further Indian military responses involving precision strikes against specified military targets deep inside Pakistani territory. These targets included radar installations, command and control centres, and ammunition depots in locations such as Rafiqui, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Sialkot.
