Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recalled the 2016 surgical strike as its 10th anniversary approaches, presenting the operation as a defining example of India's response to terrorism. Speaking in the 138th episode of Mann Ki Baat, he said the action sent a clear message about the country's counterterrorism policy.
The Indian Army carried out the strike on September 28-29, 2016, against terrorist facilities in Pakistan. Modi said Indian soldiers crossed the Line of Control to conduct the operation, an action that he said surprised the world.
Message on terrorism
The Prime Minister described the surgical strike as a decisive answer to the suffering India had faced because of terrorist attacks over a long period. He said the operation placed a new example of India's terrorism policy before the international community.
Modi linked the 2016 action with later operations. Referring to the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor, he said India had repeatedly made clear that those who dared to target the country would face an appropriate response.
He said India now follows a 0-tolerance policy toward terrorism. The remark was made while recalling a period when terrorist attacks, including serial blasts, had become a frequent occurrence in the country.
Earlier attacks recalled
Modi referred to the Delhi serial blasts of September 13, 2008, saying several innocent citizens were killed. He also recalled the major 26/11 attack in Mumbai, which occurred a few weeks later.
According to the Prime Minister, earlier terrorist attacks were often followed by demands for action against Pakistan, but those demands did not receive sufficient attention. He contrasted that earlier situation with what he described as India's current approach to terrorism.
Reference to 9/11 victims
The Prime Minister also mentioned that the 9/11 terrorist attacks complete 25 years this year. He said Indians formed the largest group of foreign victims after Americans among those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center in the United States.
Modi recalled that after becoming Prime Minister in 2014, he visited the United States and paid tribute to the innocent victims in New York. He again expressed condolences, on behalf of India's citizens, to the bereaved families.
Conclusion
Modi's remarks place the 2016 surgical strike within a decade of India's stated counterterrorism response, alongside references to the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor. He also connected that policy with memories of earlier attacks in Delhi and Mumbai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When did the surgical strike take place?
The Indian Army carried out the operation on September 28-29, 2016.
Q. What did the surgical strike target?
The operation targeted terrorist facilities in Pakistan.
Q. What did Narendra Modi say about the surgical strike?
He described it as a decisive response to terrorist attacks and an example of India's counterterrorism policy.
Q. Which later operations did Modi mention?
He referred to the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor.
Q. What policy did Modi say India follows toward terrorism?
He said India follows a 0-tolerance policy toward terrorism.
Q. Which earlier attacks did Modi recall?
He mentioned the September 13, 2008 Delhi serial blasts and the 26/11 Mumbai attack.
Q. What did Modi say about the 9/11 attacks?
He said the attacks complete 25 years this year and remembered those who died at the World Trade Center, including Indian victims.
