Terror a deliberate war strategy by Pak, will respond: PM Modi
PM Modi also recalled that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, had strongly advocated for extending the military operation in 1947 to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
News Arena Network - Gandhinagar - UPDATED: May 27, 2025, 07:37 PM - 2 min read
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches the Urban Development Year, 2025 during celebration of 20 years of Gujarat's Urban Growth Story, in Gandhinagar, Tuesday. Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Ministers Manohar Lal and C.R. Patil are also seen.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday declared that terrorism is not merely a proxy war but a deliberate and calculated war strategy adopted by Pakistan. He emphasized that India will respond with equal resolve and intensity.
Speaking at an urban development event organised by the Gujarat government, Modi made it clear that there is no distinction between state and non-state actors in Pakistan when it comes to terrorism. He accused the neighboring country of waging an undeclared war by supporting terrorist groups. "'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'—the world is one family—is a value deeply rooted in our culture. We desire prosperity for our neighbors too. But if our strength is tested, India is also the land of valiant warriors,” Modi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses during celebration of 20 years of Gujarat's Urban Growth Story and launch of 'Urban Development Year, 2025', in Gandhinagar, Tuesday
Referring to the recent Operation Sindoor, Modi explained why the characterisation of terrorism as a "proxy war" is misleading. “We can’t call it a proxy war when those killed after May 6 were given state honors in Pakistan. Their coffins were wrapped in Pakistani flags and saluted by military personnel. This clearly shows that these terrorists were officially recognised. Therefore, this is a deliberate war strategy, not a shadow war,” he asserted.
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Modi was on his first visit to Gujarat following Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and was widely hailed across the country. During his tour across Vadodara, Dahod, Bhuj, Ahmedabad, and Gandhinagar, Modi said he witnessed an overwhelming wave of patriotism. “The roar of Operation Sindoor’s success echoed throughout the nation,” he said.
The prime minister invoked a historical parallel to emphasise India’s decisive stance against terrorism. “Even a tiny thorn causes pain in a healthy body. India decided to remove the thorn of terrorism with full conviction,” he said, adding, “Had the Mujahideens who entered Kashmir in 1947 been neutralized, we might not be facing today's crisis.”
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Modi recalled that Pakistan’s first terror attack on Kashmir was launched the night of India’s Partition. “That very night, with the help of Mujahideens, Pakistan captured part of Mother India,” he said. He went on to cite Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s advice that the Indian Army should have reclaimed all of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). “Unfortunately, Patel’s counsel was not heeded, and this emboldened Pakistan and its terror proxies,” Modi said.
Modi said this legacy of terrorism has endured for 75 years, with the Pahalgam terror attack being its most recent manifestation. He noted that although Pakistan attempted diplomatic maneuvers, it had been repeatedly defeated by India in three full-fledged wars, proving that it could not win a conventional military conflict.
As a result, he said, Pakistan adopted proxy warfare—training and infiltrating terrorists to attack innocent Indian civilians, including religious pilgrims.
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The prime minister noted that in response to the Pahalgam attack, India placed the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, and even this limited move had begun to impact Pakistan. “The Indus Water Treaty was signed in 1960, and yet, for decades, basic maintenance of water regulation infrastructure was neglected. Gates were not opened, desilting was ignored, and water storage fell to just 2–3 per cent of its potential,” Modi said. He added that India is now taking necessary steps to ensure its rightful access to water resources.
Modi stressed that India has always been a proponent of peace and cooperation and has extended humanitarian support to neighbors in times of crisis. “However, our goodwill has often been met with hostility,” he said.
Despite the challenges—ranging from border tensions and terrorism to the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters—India has shown resilience and emerged stronger, Modi noted. “When I took office in 2014, India was the world’s 11th largest economy. In 11 years, we have risen to the fourth position,” he said. Reiterating India’s commitment to peace and development, Modi concluded, “India seeks harmony, not hostility. We are committed to the progress and well-being of our citizens and will always protect our national interest with unwavering resolve.”
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