India has a new strategic doctrine and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is boldly proclaiming it to the world.
Hours after addressing the nation, PM Modi paid a surprise early morning visit to soldiers at Adampur Air Force station, 25km from Jalandhar, on Tuesday and drew India’s Laxman Rekha (red line) against terrorism while reiterating the new normal in dealing with Pakistan in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor.
In a bold and passionate speech during his 50-minute visit to interact with air force personnel who played a key role in ensuring air defence during Operation Sindoor, Modi said: “India’s Laxman Rekha against terrorism is crystal clear now. If another terror attack occurs now, India will give a reply, a solid reply. We saw this during the surgical strike. Now, #OperationSindoor is India’s new normal. Like I said on Monday night, India has decided on three points. First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, we will give a reply in our way, on our condition, at our time. Second, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. Third, we will not see terror-supporting government and terror masterminds as separate entities. The world, too, is going ahead by understanding India’s new form, its new system.”
Congratulating the armed forces for their performance in the strikes carried out on terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7 to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives, Modi said: “Operation Sindoor is no ordinary operation. It is our policy, intent and decisiveness to give a befitting reply to Pakistan’s act of terror on Indian soil.”
Saluting the armed forces for reaching their target with precision and perfection, Modi said: Bharat Mata ki jai maidaan mein bhi goonjti hai aur mission mein bhi. This slogan is the resolve of every soldier who is ready to sacrifice his/her life for the country. It is the voice of every citizen who wants to live or do something for the country.”
He referred to India as the land of Gautam Buddha and Guru Gobind Singh, who said “Sawa lakh se ek laraun, chirrian de nal baaz laraun, tabhi Guru Gobind Singh naam kahan.”
Unprecedented air defence
“When our sisters’ sindoor was snatched, we entered terrorist hideouts and crushed them,” Modi said, adding India had not just destroyed terrorist camps and infrastructure and Pakistani air bases but defeated their nefarious designs and audacity. “Pakistan’s drones, their UAVs, aircraft and missiles — all failed before our capable air defence. Precision air strikes at their terror infrastructure within 20-25 minutes using modern technology and professional force, left Pakistan perplexed,” he said.
On India’s air defence system, PM Modi said the unprecedented military operations during Operation Sindoor, have increased the self-confidence of the country and raised the pride of India to new heights.
“Besides manpower, the coordination of machines and armed forces was unprecedented. Be it our traditional air defence that has witnessed several battles or our Made in India platforms or our capable defence system of S-400, all of these have strengthened our cover. India foiled all attempts by Pakistan as none of our installations were impacted,” he said, adding that it was shameful that Pakistan used civilian airplanes as a shield to protect itself from India’s action.
“Pakistan has been reminded of its duties. There is no place left where terrorists can hide and operate freely. We will enter their hideouts and eliminate them without leaving any room for escape. Hum ghar mein ghus kar maarenge aur bachne ka ek mauka tak nahi denge. The fear of our drones and missiles will keep Pakistan on the edge for days to come,” he added.
‘Highly confidential’ visit
A senior official said PM Modi landed at Adampur airport at 6.15am and stayed at the air base for nearly 50 minutes during which he interacted with air force personnel and senior officers of the armed forces to gather information and feedback about Operation Sindoor.
Soon after his visit, Modi posted on X: “Earlier this morning, I went to Air Force Station (AFS) Adampur and met our brave air warriors and soldiers. It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation.”
Adampur air base played a key role in ensuring air defence during the intense conflict with Pakistan following Indian strikes on terror sites in the neighbouring country on May 7 under Operation Sindoor. 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 actions will be guided by Pakistan’s conduct.
“The sole purpose was to boost the morale of the armed forces who are giving a befitting reply to the drone and missiles shot by Pakistan. The PM was briefed by the commanders of the IAF about the ongoing operation and its logistics, and preparations,” the senior official said.
Jalandhar deputy commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal said Modi’s visit was “highly confidential”.
Key IAF base targeted by Pakistan
During their press briefing on May 10, the army authorities had said that Adampur air base was among the IAF bases, including Pathankot, Bathinda and Udhampur, that was targeted by Pakistan on the intervening night of May 9 and 10.
Debris of a projectile was found in a residential area of Kanganiwal village in Jalandhar district early on May 9. A migrant labourer, Satinder Kumar, was injured in the incident and hospitalised. A few houses and vehicles in the area were damaged as the debris was scattered around.
On May 12, the debris of an unidentified projectile laden with explosives was recovered from a generator room of a Markfed godown in Jalandhar’s Chuharwali village near the Adampur air base. The explosive was safely defused later.
