India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has broken his silence after four days of high-stakes military exchanges with Pakistan, vowing a firm response to any future acts of terrorism targeting Indian soil. In his nationally televised address on Monday, Modi struck a tone of strength and resolve, asserting that while the current era should not be defined by war, it cannot tolerate terror either.
“This is not an era of war, but this is also not an era of terror,” Narendra Modi stated, referencing the deadly escalation triggered by a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. India has blamed a Pakistan-based group for the attack, an allegation Islamabad has strongly denied.
Narendra Modi Stance on Security, Water, and Diplomacy
Modi’s speech followed the US-brokered ceasefire agreement reached over the weekend. So far, the fragile truce between the nuclear-armed neighbors appears to be holding, with both sides remaining on high alert.
In a pointed warning, Modi declared, “If another terrorist attack against India is carried out, a strong response will be given.” Emphasizing the futility of negotiating under duress, he added, “Terror and trade talks cannot happen together,” referencing the position echoed by US President Donald Trump, who emphasized de-escalation as a prerequisite for normal trade ties.
Modi also took aim at the long-standing Indus Water Treaty between the two nations, saying, “Water and blood cannot flow together,” suggesting potential diplomatic fallout over shared water resources.
India-Pakistan Ceasefire: What’s Next?
Earlier in the day, top military commanders from both sides reportedly engaged in dialogue to fine-tune the terms of the ceasefire. India’s military confirmed that steps were being discussed to reduce troop deployments near border areas and avoid further aggression.
India has since reopened 32 airports that were shut amid security threats, signaling a slow return to civilian normalcy. However, tensions remain high following a series of airstrikes, drone intrusions, and cross-border shelling, with both nations claiming to have inflicted and absorbed considerable military damage.
Despite the ceasefire, both India and Pakistan continue to assert military success and exchange conflicting casualty reports. The future of peace in the region remains uncertain, hinging on political restraint and international mediation in this longstanding and volatile conflict.
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