In a bold and emotionally charged message that echoes the sentiments of millions of Indians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear: if Pakistan fires a bullet, India will answer with far more. “Wahan se goli chalegi, toh yahan se gola chalega” — this powerful statement is more than just words; it represents a dramatic shift in India’s policy on cross-border terrorism.
Following the launch of Operation Sindoor, Indian forces struck deep into Pakistan, targeting terror training camps with precision and purpose. The operation, still ongoing, is not just military action — it’s a loud declaration that India will no longer tolerate terrorism spilling across its borders. The message to those who shelter and support such violence is unmistakable: nowhere is safe.
Sources close to the government have confirmed that nine major terror facilities were reduced to rubble on May 7, as per the Prime Minister’s directive to make Indian retaliation “bigger and stronger.” One official, speaking candidly, said, “Markaz ko mitti mei mila diya hai; aage ka bhi dekhenge” — suggesting more could come if provoked again.
What makes this moment historic is not just the strikes, but the psychological impact. For decades, Pakistan’s nuclear threat loomed like a shield for its state-backed terror outfits. This time, India didn’t flinch. “We’ve called their nuclear bluff,” a senior official said. “We take the threat seriously — but we will not let it be a cover for terrorism.”
This marks a “new normal” — where neither the Line of Control, nor international boundaries, nor nuclear deterrence will protect terrorists. “We didn’t just target the foot soldiers. This time, we went after the head of the snake,” one source remarked with finality.
Over the following days, Pakistan attempted counterattacks — striking Indian military posts between May 8 and 10 — but India responded with crushing force, hitting key Pakistani airbases, radar systems, and control centres.
In an attempt to de-escalate, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced a mutual ceasefire late on May 11. But the message from India remains clear: peace is welcome, but not at the cost of turning a blind eye to terrorism.
India also warned that the Indus Waters Treaty — a symbol of bilateral cooperation — will be suspended as long as terrorism continues. “The cost of terrorism has increased. Pakistan can’t ask for cooperation while harbouring hate,” the official said.
After Pakistan attempted to target Udhampur, India struck back harder, reportedly damaging eight Pakistani airbases, prompting an immediate shift in Pakistan’s tone. The world took notice too. The very next day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached out, acknowledging that Pakistan had “got the message.”
The shift is evident not just in words, but in actions. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi has now empowered Western Commanders with full authority to retaliate to any violations of the ceasefire. “This isn’t just about defense anymore. It’s about deterrence,” a senior Army source emphasized.
In PM Modi’s words to US Vice President J D Vance, “If Pakistan does anything, our response will be very, very strong.” This new India isn’t looking for conflict — but it will no longer hesitate to confront threats with clarity and courage.
This isn’t about aggression. It’s about asserting our right to peace. And as the dust settles on Operation Sindoor, the message is loud and clear — India will protect its people, wherever the threat may come from.
