'Lakshman Rekha for Pakistan very clear': PM Modi reiterates India's new 3-point doctrine on terror

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses IAF personnel at Adampur base

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reiterated a clear and uncompromising three-point doctrine that now defines India’s approach to terrorism, nuclear deterrence, and state complicity, saying that the "Lakshman Rekha for Pakistan was very clear."

Addressing the Indian Air Force personnel at Adampur base, PM Modi said that Operation Sindoor has set a new benchmark in India’s counter-terror strategy. "Every moment of Operation Sindoor is testimony of valour of our armed forces, it proves supremacy of our Army, Air Force and Navy," he said.

In the first of his three-point doctrine, PM Modi said, "If there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given. We will give a befitting response on our terms only."

Second, he stated, "India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail."

Third, PM Modi referred to senior Pakistani military officials attending funerals of terrorists neutralised in Operation Sindoor.

“During Operation Sindoor the world has again seen the ugly face of Pakistan,” he said, calling it “strong evidence of state-sponsored terrorism.”

PM Modi travelled to the Adampur air base in Punjab on Tuesday morning and interacted with air force personnel, who have been in the thick of action during the recent conflict with Pakistan.

The PM's choice of visiting the Adampur base also sends out a message following Pakistani claim of destroying the prized S-400 air defence system in the station, which is home to India's key military platforms. The defence forces, in a briefing during the conflict, had unequivocally rejected Pakistan's "false narratives".

India and Pakistan agreed on May 10 to stop military actions. India has, however, made it clear it has merely paused its operation and its future actions will be guided by Pakistan's conduct.

In his first address to the nation after Operation Sindoor, Modi had on Monday sternly warned Pakistan that India will not succumb to nuclear blackmail and sent a clear message to the world: terror and trade, terror and talks cannot go together.

"Operation Sindoor is India's new policy against terrorism and our unwavering pledge for justice. It is the new normal. We have only kept in abeyance our operations against Pakistan and the future will depend on their behaviour," Modi said in a 22-minute address.

The Indian Air Force on Monday said all its military bases and systems continue to remain fully operational, and ready to undertake any further missions if the need arises.

Director General of Air Operations Air Marshal AK Bhartisaid the Indian military's fight was with terrorists and their support infrastructure, but it was a "pity" that the Pakistani military chose to bat for the terrorists.