In a powerful address from Bhuj, Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged the people of Pakistan to choose peace over terrorism, emphasizing that India’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness. His statement came in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a decisive military response following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
Speaking after launching development projects worth over ₹53,400 crore in the region, PM Modi expressed deep concern over the continued threat of terrorism emanating from across the border. With emotion in his voice, he appealed directly to the ordinary citizens of Pakistan, urging them to rise above the cycle of violence. “Live a life of peace and dignity, share meals with your loved ones,” he said, “but don’t forget—India will never hesitate to defend its people.”
The Prime Minister’s words reflected a strong but measured stance. He lamented that despite India waiting for nearly two weeks for Pakistan to take action against terror outfits, no meaningful steps were taken. “It seems terrorism is their bread and butter,” he remarked solemnly.
Modi described Operation Sindoor not as an act of vengeance, but as a mission to protect humanity and eliminate the roots of terror. He praised the Indian Armed Forces for their bravery, stating that their action was so impactful that “Pakistan’s airbases are still in the ICU.”
Drawing from history, he recalled how women in Kutch had rebuilt the Bhuj airstrip in just 72 hours during the 1971 war, showing the indomitable spirit of the region. Recently, some of those women had blessed him and gifted him a sindoor plant—a symbol he now plans to plant at the Prime Minister’s residence as a tribute to their courage and resilience.
Criticizing Pakistan’s ideological choices, PM Modi said, “While India promotes tourism to build global connections, Pakistan promotes terrorism under the same guise.” He reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, saying, “Those who make us bleed will not be spared. This is not just our policy—it is our promise to every Indian.”
The Prime Minister’s visit to Bhuj was also marked by optimism, as he inaugurated key infrastructure, energy, and port projects designed to boost the region’s economic future. He lauded Bhuj’s remarkable transformation from a disaster-struck town to a hub of resilience and progress.
In his message to the people of Pakistan, PM Modi struck a delicate balance—firm in defending India’s sovereignty, yet hopeful that a future of peace and cooperation is still possible if the people choose to reject extremism. It was a moment of assertive diplomacy rooted in compassion, appealing to shared humanity in a region long divided by violence.