Hot Sindoor in Veins: Modi's Post-Strike Message

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a rally in Bikaner on Thursday, firmly ruled out any possibility of resuming talks or trade with Pakistan, asserting that the only subject for discussion would be Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. His address followed the Indian armed forces' recent Operation Sindoor, which successfully targeted nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK within a span of 22 minutes.

During the rally, which marked Modi's first public appearance since the operation, he invoked both military strength and cultural symbolism. He remarked, “Not blood but hot sindoor runs in my veins,” underlining the emotional and patriotic fervour behind India’s military actions. 

“The world and the enemies of the country have seen what happens when sindoor turns to gunpowder,” he added.

Modi began the day by offering prayers at the Karni Mata temple and inaugurating the newly redeveloped Deshnok railway station before addressing the gathering. He reflected on the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed, saying, “On April 22, terrorists asked the religion of the victims and destroyed the sindoor of our sisters. Those bullets were fired in Pahalgam, but they pierced the chests of 140 crore Indians.”

He continued, “With your blessings and the valour of our armed forces, we have fulfilled the promise to exact a punishment beyond imagination. Our government gave full freedom to the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Together, they built such a chakravyuh that Pakistan was compelled to surrender.”

Highlighting the intensity and precision of the military operation, Modi said, “In response to the April 22 attack, we eliminated the nine largest terrorist hideouts in just 22 minutes. Friends, the world now knows what follows when vermilion becomes an explosive.”

The Prime Minister laid out three core principles guiding India's response to terrorism going forward. “First, every terror attack on Bharat will receive a fitting reply. The armed forces will decide the timing and manner of the response. The terms will be ours,” he stated. 

“Second, Bharat will not cower before nuclear threats.” Addressing the third point, he said, “Those who orchestrate terrorism and the state that supports it will be treated as one. The old game of differentiating between state and non-state actors will no longer be tolerated.”

Drawing attention to Pakistan's long-standing reliance on terrorism, Modi remarked, “Pakistan has never been able to win a conventional war against India. Every time we have faced off directly, they have been defeated. This is why terrorism has become their preferred method of attack.”

He also made a pointed comment about Pakistan's air defences, claiming that the Rahim Yar Khan airbase was devastated during the operation. “We don’t know when it will reopen. It is in the ICU. The Indian Army’s precision strikes have rendered it unusable,” Modi said. 

He mentioned that he had travelled to Bikaner via the Nal airport, which had also been targeted but, according to him, had sustained no damage.

The Prime Minister reiterated his administration's stance on severing all trade and diplomatic dialogues with Pakistan. “There will be no trade and no talks with Pakistan. If talks occur, they will only concern Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,” he said. 

“If Pakistan continues to export terrorism, it will be denied even a single drop of water that rightfully belongs to India. Those who play with Indian blood will pay a heavy price.”

Describing the military action as a “new form of justice,” Modi clarified, “This is not vengeance. This is Operation Sindoor. This is the fierce form of a unified India – a new face of the nation.” He added, “This land of Rajasthan teaches us that nothing is greater than our country and our people.”

The Prime Minister also compared the recent military operation to the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. “Then, we entered their homes and struck. Now, we have hit them directly in the chest. This is how terrorism is to be crushed. This is the new Bharat,” he declared.

Modi expressed confidence in the national spirit, saying, “Pakistan used to bleed India and spread fear, but they forgot that Modi, the servant of Maa Bharti, is now standing firm. My mind remains calm, but my blood runs hot. And now, it is not blood, but hot sindoor that flows in my veins.”

He declared that those who sought to erase the sacred vermilion of Indian women had been reduced to dust. “The Tiranga yatra happening across the country shows our unity. I say to my fellow citizens: those who tried to wipe away the sindoor have been turned to dust.”

He continued, “Those who used to bleed India have paid for every drop. Those who believed Bharat would stay silent are now hiding in fear. Those who boasted about their weapons are buried under rubble.”

Highlighting the cost that Pakistan would bear for its actions, Modi said, “Every terror strike will bring consequences. The Pakistani army and its economy will pay that price.”

He further noted that India's strength lies in comprehensive national development. “Security and prosperity are both essential for a developed Bharat. This is achievable only when every part of the nation is strong.”

In his concluding remarks, Modi said that India is taking proactive diplomatic steps to counter Pakistan’s global narrative.

“Seven Indian delegations, comprising MPs from all political parties, are travelling abroad to expose the real face of Pakistan to the world.”