The Modi administration has firmly embraced a policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism, actively communicating India’s resolute stance against this global threat to the international community. On a notable Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphatically stated that India is prepared to respond decisively to any acts intended to disrupt its peace. He specifically highlighted that any cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan would be met with robust, disproportionate cross-border retaliation. This statement is in harmony with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks at a recent election rally. There, Modi highlighted a transformative shift in India’s approach towards terrorism under his leadership, emphasizing that India now proactively confronts its adversaries, even if it means entering enemy territory to deliver a strong counter-response (“This is the New India, which strikes the enemy in their own land”).
These declarations underscore a significant evolution in India’s foreign policy and its stance towards terrorism, troublemakers, and its dealings with neighboring countries, notably Pakistan and China. Over the last decade, under the governance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India has transitioned from a traditionally restrained diplomatic approach to adopting a stance characterized by more assertive and vocal diplomacy.
Let’s revisit moments when, under the Modi administration, India’s leading figures took a firm stance on terrorism.
1)At a public rally in Saharanpur today, Prime Minister Modi expressed, “The stones that were hurled by stone-pelters in Kashmir, Modi took those stones and began constructing a developed Jammu & Kashmir… Now, every Indian believes, ‘If the intention is right, the outcome will be right’. The BJP government operates without any bias; our aim is for our policies to benefit everyone equally, and towards this end, we have dedicated a decade. Our principle is ‘Saturation’, aiming for 100% benefit to the people, which embodies true secularism and social justice… I have promised that I will not let the country bow down.”
2)On Friday, in an interview, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commented on a report by The Guardian newspaper alleging Indian agencies’ involvement in the elimination of 20 terrorists within Pakistan. Singh stated, “Any terrorist attempting to disrupt peace in India from our neighboring country or executing terrorist attacks here will face severe retaliation from us,” Singh declared.
3)In March, during an appearance on India TV’s ‘AAP ki Adalat’ program, Rajnath Singh mentioned that people in PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) are voicing their desire to join India, expressing confidence in PoK’s eventual merger with India. Singh stated, “PoK was ours, PoK is ours, and I am confident that PoK will itself merge with India.”
4)In the December 2023 winter session of Parliament, Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, for his handling of the Jammu and Kashmir issue in the Rajya Sabha. Shah blamed ‘Nehruvian blunders’ for Pakistan’s ‘illegal’ occupation of parts of Kashmir, referred to as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) or Azad Kashmir. Shah asserted, “Our stance is firm when it comes to our nation’s territory; we cannot afford to be magnanimous at the cost of our land.”
5)Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, addressing those threatening the state’s law and order, warned of severe consequences under BJP’s governance, invoking the phrase “Ram Naam Satya” to signify the end for criminals threatening societal safety. He highlighted the improved security that now allows women and traders to go out at night without fear. Adityanath emphasized, “Earlier, it was unthinkable for daughters and traders to be out at night. Now, those posing threats will face ‘Ram Naam Satya.'”
6)During a 2022 visit to New York, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar subtly criticized China and its ally Pakistan regarding their stance on terrorism. He pointed out that despite a global move towards a unified response against terrorism, some are misusing multilateral platforms to defend and support the culprits. Jaishankar remarked, “As the world unites against terrorism, multilateral platforms are misused to protect perpetrators.”
