Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a powerful and emotional address at the BSF investiture ceremony and Rustamji Memorial Lecture on Friday, reflected on the country’s shifting stance against terrorism and acknowledged the bravery of the armed forces. His words carried a tone of deep national pride and somber remembrance as he highlighted the Modi government’s firm response to provocations from across the border, calling Operation Sindoor a defining moment in India’s security history.
Speaking with conviction, Shah said India had long endured serious provocations from Pakistan, but previous governments had fallen short of delivering proportionate responses. “We have always acted defensively to protect our people,” he said, crediting the armed forces for their tireless efforts. “But we never gave a fitting answer.” That changed, he emphasized, when Narendra Modi took office in 2014.
Shah recalled painful memories like the Uri attack, where Indian soldiers were brutally killed, and the Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of several CRPF personnel. He said those tragedies demanded more than just condemnation—they required action. “For the first time, we crossed into terrorist hideouts and conducted surgical strikes,” he stated, marking the beginning of a new era in India’s military response strategy.
Referencing the recent Pahalgam attack, Shah’s tone turned somber as he recounted how innocent pilgrims were targeted and killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists in front of their families, simply for their religion. He reminded the audience of Prime Minister Modi’s vow, made from the land of Bihar, to ensure an appropriate response. “Operation Sindoor is that response,” Shah declared, his voice echoing the national mood of resolve and justice.
He concluded with a heartfelt tribute to the Indian armed forces, expressing gratitude on behalf of the nation. “The world is now praising our army and India’s decisive stand,” he said, emphasizing that India is no longer a silent spectator in the face of terror but a nation that stands tall, united, and fearless. His remarks struck a chord with many across the country, offering reassurance that every sacrifice made by India’s brave soldiers would not be in vain.