Zero tolerance for terror: PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday outlined a three-point national policy on terrorism, asserting that India would respond to future terror attacks on its own terms, make no distinction between the terrorists and the government that sponsors them, and a zero tolerance to any form of nuclear blackmail.

Speaking at the Adampur Air Force Station in Punjab, which was one of the targets of Pakistan during last week's hostilities, Modi said, "India's 'Laxman Rekha' against terrorism is crystal clear now. If another terror attack occurs now, India will give a reply. We saw this during the surgical strike, during the air strike. Now, Operation Sindoor is India's new normal".

"India has decided on three points. First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, we will give a reply in our own way, on our condition, at our time. Second, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. Third, we will not see terror-supporting governments and terror masterminds as separate entities," Modi said.

Modi's surprise visit to the Adampur base was also high on symbolism. The Prime Minister gave his rousing speech in the backdrop of a fully intact S-400 air defence system and an MiF-29 aircraft stationed at the airbase. It was the same S-400 system that Pakistan claimed to have destroyed in airstrikes last week.

The visit, aimed at boosting the morale of the forces, which played a key role amid Pakistan's wave of drone and missile strikes, comes days after both countries reached a ceasefire deal. It came against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, where India destroyed nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (POK) in response to the Pahalgham attack, which left 26 dead.

However, the PM made it clear that India has merely paused its operations and Islamabad's conduct will decide its future actions. "Operation Sindoor is India's new policy against terrorism and our unwavering pledge to justice. It is the new normal. We have only kept in abeyance our operations against Pakistan and the future will depend on their behaviour," PM Modi said, reiterating his warning to Pakistan that he said in his address to the nation on Monday.

Modi toured the base and greeted uniformed airmen who shouted 'Bharat Mata ki jai' after he arrived there unannounced early Tuesday morning. After interacting with the soldiers, he delivered the speech with an S-400 system in the backdrop, wearing a Western Air Command cap with its trademark trishul embroidered on it.

"When our armed forces take the wind out of nuclear blackmail, our enemies understand the importance of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'," he said. "Bharat Mata ki Jai is not just a slogan, but our soldiers' pledge to dedicate their lives for the nation. When our drones and missiles hit our enemies, they hear 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'," he said.

"The tales of your valour will be etched in history forever. I salute our Army, Air Force and Navy personnel," PM Modi said. The patrons of terrorism have realised that casting an evil eye on India will only mean their destruction, the prime minister said.

Adampur is India's second-largest air base and houses Rafale and Mig-29 squadrons. It has played an important role in 1965 and 1971 wars with

Pakistan as well.