Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday cautioned Pakistan that India would conduct further cross-border strikes on “terrorist hideouts” if fresh attacks occur, dismissing Islamabad’s “nuclear blackmail” threats.
This marks Modi’s first public statement since India’s military action last week against what it described as “terrorist camps” across the border, signaling a tougher stance toward its neighbor amid already strained relations.
Pakistan rejects India’s allegations of supporting anti-India militants and maintains that last week’s strikes, dubbed Operation Sindoor, targeted civilian areas.
Modi’s address came two days after the nuclear-armed rivals agreed to a ceasefire, a development announced by US President Donald Trump. The truce followed four days of intense cross-border shelling that saw both sides target military installations with missiles and drones, resulting in civilian casualties.
The escalation began Wednesday when India struck nine alleged “terrorist infrastructure” sites in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, retaliating against a February militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists. Pakistan denies any involvement.
“If terrorists attack India again, we will respond decisively … on our terms,” Modi declared in a televised speech in Hindi. “We will closely monitor Pakistan’s actions in the coming days.”
The PM vowed India would “strike precisely at terror hubs operating under nuclear blackmail,” while outlining preconditions for dialogue, including Pakistan halting cross-border militancy.
“Terror and talks cannot coexist, nor can terror and trade. Blood and water cannot flow together,” Modi stated, referencing India’s suspension of a bilateral water-sharing pact.
The neighbors have fought two wars over Kashmir since 1947 and witnessed multiple military crises, including in 2016 and 2019. Tensions peaked Saturday when Pakistan convened its nuclear command authority, briefly raising global concerns.