In the 129th episode of his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday underscored India's resolute stance on national security, prominently highlighting the success of Operation Sindoor. The Prime Minister stated that the operation demonstrated to the world that today's India does not compromise when it comes to safeguarding its people and territory.
Operation Sindoor: A Symbol of National Pride and Resolve
Prime Minister Modi reflected on the defining moments of 2025, noting that the year provided numerous instances that filled every Indian with pride. He specifically pointed to Operation Sindoor as a powerful symbol of this national sentiment. "This year, Operation Sindoor became a symbol of pride for every Indian. The world clearly saw that today's India does not compromise on its security," PM Modi told the nation.
He emphasized that during the operation, images reflecting profound love and devotion for the motherland emerged from every corner of the country, with citizens expressing their support in diverse and heartfelt ways.
The operation was launched by the Indian armed forces as a direct response to the devastating Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the precision strikes successfully neutralized nine major terror launchpads located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
The targets included facilities operated by notorious terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The operation is reported to have eliminated over 100 terrorists, dealing a significant blow to cross-border terror infrastructure.
Aftermath and the Spirit of Vande Mataram
Following India's decisive action, Pakistan attempted military retaliation, leading to a four-day conflict from May 7 to May 10, 2025. After sustaining heavy damage, Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted his Indian counterpart. An agreement was reached, and both sides ceased all firing and military actions on land, in the air, and at sea effective May 10.
PM Modi connected this display of national unity to another historic occasion—the 150th anniversary of the national song, Vande Mataram. He recalled urging citizens to share their messages and suggestions using the hashtag #VandeMataram150, a campaign that witnessed enthusiastic nationwide participation.
"The same spirit was also witnessed when Vande Mataram completed 150 years," the Prime Minister remarked, highlighting the continuous thread of patriotism that binds the nation.
Earlier, on November 7, PM Modi had inaugurated the year-long commemoration of Vande Mataram at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. During that event, he also released a Commemorative Stamp and Coin to mark the milestone and launched a dedicated portal for the 150th-anniversary celebrations.
A Year of Defining Achievements
In his address, the Prime Minister took a broader view of India's accomplishments, stating that 2025 was a year where the country left its indelible mark across diverse fields. From bolstering national security and excelling in sports to achieving breakthroughs in scientific laboratories and commanding global stages, India's progress has been multifaceted and noteworthy.
PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat episode served as both a recap of a year of strength and a reaffirmation of the collective spirit that drives the nation forward, with Operation Sindoor standing out as a testament to India's unwavering defensive capabilities and sovereign will.
