Gandhinagar, (Gujarat), May 27 (KNO): Asserting that India believes in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and doesn’t want enmity with anyone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in an apparent reference to “Operation Sindoor” said that the repeated challenges to India’s strength necessitated firm responses.
Addressing the gathering here, PM Modi, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Over the past 2 days during my visit to Vadodara, Dahod, Bhuj, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, I have been experiencing the fervor of patriotism with the roar of success of Operation Sindoor and flying tricolors. It is a sight to behold and this feeling is not just in Gujarat, but across every nook and corner of India and in the heart of every Indian.”
Highlighting India’s deep-rooted cultural values, emphasizing the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which regards the entire world as one family, the Prime Minister stated that India has upheld this tradition for centuries and continues to seek peaceful and harmonious relations with its neighbors. “While India has always advocated for peace and stability, the India believes in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and doesn’t want enmity with anyone,” he said.
Emphasising that India seeks no hostility and aspires for peace and prosperity, PM Modi highlighted the nation’s commitment to progress and contributing to global well-being.
He stated that with firm determination, India remains dedicated to the welfare of its citizens.
The Prime Minister said that historically, what was termed proxy war has now evolved, especially after the events of May 6. “Given recent developments, referring to such acts as proxy war would be a mistake,” he said.
PM Modi emphasized that nine identified terrorist bases were eliminated within 22 minutes, with full transparency ensured through camera documentation, so that no evidence could be questioned domestically.
The Prime Minister stated that the recent incidents prove that this is no longer mere proxy warfare, but a deliberate and calculated military strategy of Pakistan.
He said that following the May 6 actions, terrorist funerals were conducted in Pakistan with full honors, their coffins draped in national flags, and even saluted by the Pakistani military—clear indicators that these were not isolated terrorist activities but part of a structured war approach. “If such strategies are employed, an equally decisive response will be given,” the Prime Minister said.
Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead, and its subsequent retaliation through “Operation Sindoor,” PM Modi, as per KNO, said, “India had made up its mind to weed out the thorn of terrorism and did it with utmost conviction.”
INDIA WITNESSED FIRST TERRORIST ATTACK IN 1947
Recalling the first terrorist attack on India in 1947, right after the partition of India into 3 parts, PM Modi said one part was usurped by Pakistan harboring the terrorists.
He recalled Sardar Patel’s vision, emphasizing that the Indian Army should not have halted until Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was reclaimed. However, he stated that Patel’s advice was not followed.
PM Modi stressed that this legacy of terrorism has continued for the last 75 years and the terror attacks in Pahalgam was another horrific form of it.
He asserted that despite playing diplomatic games, Pakistan repeatedly faced India’s military strength in war. He noted that on three occasions, India’s armed forces decisively defeated Pakistan, making it clear that Pakistan could not triumph in direct military conflict.
Acknowledging Pakistan’s realization of its limitations, PM Modi stated that the neighboring country resorted to proxy warfare. He explained that trained terrorists were infiltrated into India through systematic military training, aiming to target innocent and unarmed civilians, including those undertaking peaceful pilgrimages.
The Prime Minister emphasized that India has always pursued progress and the welfare of all, offering assistance in times of crisis. However, he remarked that despite these efforts, the nation has often faced violent retaliation.
Addressing the younger generation, he urged them to recognize how the country has been undermined over the decades.
INDUS WATER TREATY
Talking about the Indus Water treaty which was put in abeyance, the Prime Minister highlighted issues related to water resources in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out that although dams were constructed on rivers, proper maintenance and desilting were neglected for sixty years.
He remarked that gates meant for water regulation were left unopened, leading to a drastic reduction in storage capacity—from full utilization to merely two to three percent.
He asserted that Indians must receive their rightful access to water and stated that while significant steps have yet to be taken, initial measures have begun.
PM ACKNOWLEDGES CHALLENGES
Reflecting on May 26, PM Modi noted that it marked the anniversary of his first oath-taking as the Prime Minister in 2014.
At that time, India ranked 11th in the global economy. He acknowledged the challenges faced, including the battle against COVID-19, difficulties with neighboring nations, and natural calamities.
Despite these obstacles, he highlighted India’s rapid economic growth, rising from the 11th to the 4th position globally. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the country’s vision for development and its unwavering commitment to progress—(KNO)