New Delhi – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Monday that Pakistan must dismantle its “terrorist infrastructure” if it wishes to be “saved.” These were Modi’s first public comments since last week’s deadly military clashes between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
“If we engage in dialogue with Pakistan, it will be solely about terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,” Modi said in a nationally televised address, calling on the international community to recognize what he described as Islamabad’s continued sponsorship of cross-border militancy.
The tensions erupted after India launched airstrikes last Wednesday on what it said were terror camps inside Pakistani territory. The strikes came two weeks after a deadly assault in Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 Hindu pilgrims were killed in a coordinated ambush. New Delhi accused Islamabad of providing logistical and financial support to the perpetrators — a claim firmly rejected by Pakistan.
In retaliation, Pakistani forces launched cross-border shelling, leading to several casualties and damage in border villages on both sides. The clashes raised fears of a wider conflict, prompting international appeals for restraint.
Hostilities ceased on Saturday after both nations agreed to a ceasefire following back-channel diplomatic efforts involving the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
Despite the ceasefire, both sides have remained on high alert. Indian forces continue combing through volatile areas of Kashmir in search of suspected militants, while Pakistan has issued statements calling for peace and mutual respect, denying any links to terrorist groups.
Meanwhile, political analysts say Modi’s tough rhetoric may also be aimed at domestic audiences ahead of key state elections, where national security remains a central campaign issue.
India’s opposition parties have largely backed the government’s stance, though some have urged for transparent dialogue and regional stability. Pakistan’s foreign office, in response to Modi’s speech, accused India of using the terror narrative to deflect from human rights concerns in Kashmir.
The situation remains fragile, with global powers closely monitoring developments. The United Nations has urged both sides to resume diplomatic engagement and avoid escalation.