 "Prime Minister Narendra Modi. AP/File Photo")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reiterated that India would “definitely” respond if Pakistan launched any further attacks, as he addressed Indian Air Force personnel at the Adampur Air Base in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur.
Praising the IAF for its role in Operation Sindoor, Modi stated that the Air Force had emerged as capable of outmaneuvering the enemy with advanced weapons, data systems, and drones.
“Our objective was to strike the terror headquarters and terrorists inside Pakistan,” the Prime Minister said. “But the conspiracy Pakistan hatched by placing civilian passenger planes in the line of fire — I can only imagine how difficult that must have been. I am proud that you achieved your objective without harming the civilian aircraft.”
Highlighting the technological edge of the Indian armed forces, Modi said, “Today, we have the capability of new and cutting-edge technology which Pakistan cannot counter. In the last decade, the world’s best technologies have reached the Air Force and all our other Forces. But we all know that new technology and challenges are equally big. Maintaining a complicated and sophisticated system and operating it efficiently is a prominent skill. You connected tech with tactics. You have proven that you are excellent in this game.”
Referring to the IAF’s swift offensive capabilities, he said, “Our Air Force targeted the terror bases deep inside Pakistan. Within 20-25 minutes, you hit the pinpoint targets across the border. It can only be done by a modern technology professional force.”
Applauding the coordination of India’s defence systems during Operation Sindoor, Modi said, “Besides manpower, the coordination of machines in Operation Sindoor was also fantastic. Be it India’s traditional air defence system, which has witnessed several battles, or our Made in India platforms like Akash — all of these have been given unprecedented strength with modern and capable defence systems like S-400. A strong defence cover has become the identity of India. Despite all the attempts of Pakistan, be it our air base or other defence infrastructure, all of these were impacted. The credit goes to all of you. I am proud of all of you.”
Concluding his address, Modi remarked, “Our drones, our missiles — thinking about it, Pakistan will not be able to sleep for many days… Through Operation Sindoor, you have increased the self-confidence of the country, bound the country in the thread of unity and you have protected the borders of India, raised the pride of India to new heights. You have done that which is unprecedented and unimaginable.”