<p class="bodytext">Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation on Monday, reaffirmed the tenets of India’s policy on terror. These principles are particularly relevant in the context of the Pahalgam massacre, the confrontation with Pakistan in its wake, and the chances of facing similar situations in the future. The Prime Minister made it clear that “terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together.” The enunciation of India’s position was not just aimed at Pakistan but also intended for the international community. India has maintained that there is no scope for talks or any form of engagement with Pakistan as long as that country supports and sponsors terrorism. The point has been underlined again.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The Prime Minister asserted that India will no longer play by the old rules where diplomacy co-existed with terrorism. Operation Sindoor marked a shift in the country’s security posture and the Prime Minister said there was a ”new normal” in dealing with terrorism – India would not differentiate between terrorists and their handlers. It was also made clear that the present cessation of hostilities should be seen only as a pause and Pakistan’s conduct in the next few days will be evaluated for further action. Leaders of the armed forces had also said this; now, the Prime Minister has validated the position. The Prime Minister’s assertion that India “will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail” while acting against terror is a reflection of the country’s resolve against terrorism and determination to resist Pakistan’s adventurism at all costs. However, this position will present challenges in practical terms because it may be difficult to distinguish between nuclear “blackmail” and a genuine nuclear threat, especially in tense standoffs.</p>.Certainty of retaliation has altered India-Pak equation .<p class="bodytext">The address did not provide answers to some of the questions raised about the ceasefire, especially about the role of the US administration. However, some clarity emerged on Tuesday with the government rejecting President Donald Trump’s claims that he used trade as leverage to broker the truce. The Prime Minister did well to make it clear – after the US leadership made references to Kashmir – that India’s only agenda with Islamabad is the end of terror and the return of PoK and to assert that Operation Sindoor has altered the rules of engagement and drawn new red lines. While the Prime Minister’s assertions are important and reassuring, the omissions will not go unnoticed.</p>
<p class="bodytext">Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation on Monday, reaffirmed the tenets of India’s policy on terror. These principles are particularly relevant in the context of the Pahalgam massacre, the confrontation with Pakistan in its wake, and the chances of facing similar situations in the future. The Prime Minister made it clear that “terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together.” The enunciation of India’s position was not just aimed at Pakistan but also intended for the international community. India has maintained that there is no scope for talks or any form of engagement with Pakistan as long as that country supports and sponsors terrorism. The point has been underlined again.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The Prime Minister asserted that India will no longer play by the old rules where diplomacy co-existed with terrorism. Operation Sindoor marked a shift in the country’s security posture and the Prime Minister said there was a ”new normal” in dealing with terrorism – India would not differentiate between terrorists and their handlers. It was also made clear that the present cessation of hostilities should be seen only as a pause and Pakistan’s conduct in the next few days will be evaluated for further action. Leaders of the armed forces had also said this; now, the Prime Minister has validated the position. The Prime Minister’s assertion that India “will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail” while acting against terror is a reflection of the country’s resolve against terrorism and determination to resist Pakistan’s adventurism at all costs. However, this position will present challenges in practical terms because it may be difficult to distinguish between nuclear “blackmail” and a genuine nuclear threat, especially in tense standoffs.</p>.Certainty of retaliation has altered India-Pak equation .<p class="bodytext">The address did not provide answers to some of the questions raised about the ceasefire, especially about the role of the US administration. However, some clarity emerged on Tuesday with the government rejecting President Donald Trump’s claims that he used trade as leverage to broker the truce. The Prime Minister did well to make it clear – after the US leadership made references to Kashmir – that India’s only agenda with Islamabad is the end of terror and the return of PoK and to assert that Operation Sindoor has altered the rules of engagement and drawn new red lines. While the Prime Minister’s assertions are important and reassuring, the omissions will not go unnoticed.</p>
