PM calls Parliament session a victory celebration against terrorism: Key takeaways from Modi’s address

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described the ongoing Parliament session as a “Vijayotsav”—a celebration of victory over terrorism—following India’s successful military response under Operation Sindoor to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Addressing the Lok Sabha during a two-day debate, Modi outlined the government’s decisive retaliation, accused the Opposition of echoing Pakistan’s narrative, and affirmed that India faced no international pressure in launching its counteroffensive.

Modi firmly stated that no leader from any country asked India to halt Operation Sindoor. “No country in the world has stopped India from any action in its defence against terrorism,” he said, adding that only three countries stood with Pakistan at the United Nations, while the rest of the world supported India’s right to self-defence.

Recounting the night of May 9, Modi said, “US Vice President (JD Vance) tried to reach out to me 3-4 times, but I was busy with meetings with the armed forces.” When he returned the call, the Vice President warned of a likely Pakistani attack.

“I told him that if Pakistan attacks India, our attack would be much bigger—we will respond to bullets with cannons,” the prime minister said.

Strike within 22 minutes, airbases ‘in ICU’

Modi stated that terror sites deep inside Pakistan were destroyed within 22 minutes. He added that Pakistan’s airbases remain “in ICU” and the masterminds of the April 22 attack are “still losing sleep”.

He credited India's indigenous defence production for this swift retaliation. “The world saw the strength of self-reliant India. Drones and missiles made in India exposed the capabilities of Pakistani arms and ammunition,” he said.

Opposition playing into Pakistan’s hands: Modi

Sharply criticising the Congress, Modi said:

“India got support from the entire world, but it is unfortunate that the Congress did not support the valour of our soldiers. Congress leaders targeted me for political gains, but their frivolous statements ended up discouraging our brave soldiers.”

He added, “Congress and its allies have unfortunately become spokespersons of Pakistani propaganda. India is becoming self-reliant, but Congress is now dependent on Pakistan for issues.”

Nuclear threats did not deter India

Modi said Pakistan had sensed incoming Indian action and issued nuclear threats, but India refused to back down. “We called out Pakistan’s nuclear bluff and showed the world that we will not bow down to nuclear blackmail,” he declared.

He further said, “Our operations range from Sindoor to Sindhu (Indus Waters Treaty). Pakistan knows they will have to pay a huge price for any misadventure.”

Pahalgam attack was a ploy to trigger riots

Describing the Pahalgam terror attack as an attempt to incite communal unrest, Modi said, “It was a conspiracy to instigate riots in India and the country's unity foiled that attempt.”

He expressed complete faith in India’s armed forces. “We have complete trust in their capabilities, and they were given a free hand. They taught the masterminds of terrorism a lesson beyond imagination.”