Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly asserted that terrorism sponsored by Pakistan must no longer be treated as mere proxy warfare, but rather as a deliberate and sustained war strategy adopted by the neighbouring state. Addressing an event in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on May 27, 2025, to launch the Urban Development Year 2025, the Prime Minister contextualised terrorism as a state-backed offensive that dates back to the first attack on Kashmir in 1947.

Revisiting the traumatic events of Partition, Modi said Mother India was torn apart, and despite the supposed freedom from colonial rule, the nation was further weakened as its arms were chopped off. He recalled the night of the Partition, when the first terrorist assault took place in Kashmir, referring to the mujahideen invasion supported from across the newly formed border.

According to PM Modi, this assault could have been prevented had Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s advice to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) been followed. He lamented that Patel’s vision was ignored, stating that the Indian armed forces were never instructed to push further despite being capable. The decisions of the Nehru-led administration, though not named explicitly, were critically implied in the Prime Minister’s remarks.

Modi said, Pakistan’s pattern of defeat in direct wars led it to adopt terrorism as a strategic alternative. By providing training, arms, and support to terrorists, Pakistan deliberately created a war-like situation disguised under the pretext of proxy warfare, the Prime Minister argued.

He referenced the events of May 6, 2025, when Indian forces struck terrorist camps in Pakistan as part of Operation Sindoor. Modi pointed out that the killed terrorists were honoured with state funerals by Pakistan, with military salutes and national flags on their coffins. This, he said, is undeniable proof of state complicity in terrorist operations, and thus it can no longer be called a proxy war but an official state war strategy.

Drawing on a metaphor, Modi said that even a small thorn can cause constant pain, indicating that India will no longer tolerate even minor provocations. He declared, the thorn must be removed, and Operation Sindoor will now progress not only through military might but also through public participation.

He urged Indian citizens to contribute to this national campaign by promoting economic nationalism. Modi appealed for a reduction in dependence on foreign goods, asking people to consciously avoid imported products and support local businesses and manufacturers. He stated that even village traders should resolve not to sell foreign goods, no matter the profit margin.

Criticising the cultural reliance on imported items, Modi mentioned the import of Ganesh idols, particularly those with poorly defined features. He encouraged people to perform a self-audit by listing how many foreign products they use in a 24-hour period, and start reducing them consciously.

The Prime Minister linked this appeal to the larger vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, saying that economic self-reliance is now an essential component of national security. According to him, a citizen-led movement against foreign dependence will serve as the second front of Operation Sindoor.

In the same address, Modi praised Gujarat's transformation from a state once known primarily for salt production to one globally recognised for its diamond industry, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. He called on Gujaratis to chart a decadal vision leading up to 2035, the 75th anniversary of the state's formation.

He connected this future milestone with India’s aspiration to host the Olympics in 2036, stating that when Gujarat turns 75, the country would like to host the Olympic Games, presenting it as a symbol of national pride, ambition, and global recognition.

This speech comes amid heightened national security concerns and rising demands for a more assertive foreign policy stance towards Pakistan. Political observers note that Modi’s rhetoric has blended national security with economic policy, framing terrorism and foreign trade dependence as two sides of the same challenge.

The Prime Minister’s appeal is likely to resonate with citizens who view border security and self-reliance as intertwined, especially in the backdrop of India's increasing focus on manufacturing, local production, and import substitution. It also places moral responsibility on the common citizen, aligning with the broader vision of Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) in governance and national strategy.

While critics may point to the political undertones in Modi’s reference to historical decisions made during Nehru’s leadership, supporters argue that the Prime Minister is merely confronting historical mistakes to shape a stronger national policy going forward.

As India continues to assert itself on the international and regional stage, this speech marks a significant turn in how terrorism, foreign policy, and economic planning are being framed as a collective fight, demanding not only military response but civilian discipline and patriotic consumption.

The coming weeks are expected to see a rise in campaigns and initiatives aligned with this citizen-led economic front of Operation Sindoor, further intertwining national pride with consumer choices and turning every purchase into a patriotic act.

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