In a forceful assertion on Tuesday in Kurukshetra, Haryana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the entire world has seen that “the new India neither fears nor bows down to terrorism.” Speaking at a programme to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, the prime minister emphasised that India may advocate universal brotherhood, but will also fiercely protect its borders. “We speak to the world about universal brotherhood, and we also protect our borders. We seek peace, but we do not compromise on our security,” he said while making a direct reference to ‘Operation Sindoor’ - India’s successful military response to Pakistan following Pahalgam terror attack in April this year.
Mr Modi pointed to the recent Operation Sindoor as a vivid demonstration of that resolve: “Operation Sindoor is the biggest example of this. Today’s India is moving forward with full strength, with courage and clarity.” Earlier in the day, the prime minister had visited Ayodhya, before arriving in Kurukshetra - drawing parallels between the two sites as symbolic of India’s civilisational ethos. “This morning I was in Ayodhya, the city of Ramayana and now I am here in Kurukshetra, the city of the Gita,” he noted, underscoring the intertwining of cultural heritage and national strength.
PM Modi also invoked Guru Tegh Bahadur’s example of standing up for faith and justice - highlighting that on this very land Shiva’s chariot once echoed the call to defend truth and righteousness. He said this ancient legacy now fuels modern India’s determined stance where “we want peace, but not at cost of security”.
While diplomacy and dialogue remain part of the strategy, the prime minister asserted that they will not replace the will to act decisively when national interest is at stake. He reiterated India’s message to adversaries while framing nation’s security posture as uncompromising. What he implied, is clear: the age of yielding is over and a new doctrine of deterrence is firmly in place.
