New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Friday, hailed the Indian Armed Forces for the success of Operation Sindoor, calling it a powerful response to the Pahalgam terror attack. He said the operation reflected India’s collective outrage and sent a clear message to its enemies.

“I am very proud that from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I am getting the opportunity to salute the heroes of Operation Sindoor. Our brave jawans punished the enemy beyond its imagination,” said the Prime Minister.

He recounted the events of 22nd April, when terrorists from across the border attacked civilians in Pahalgam after asking their religion. “On 22nd April, terrorists from across the border came to Pahalgam and killed people after asking their religion...Entire India was outraged, and the entire world was shocked by such a massacre. Operation Sindoor is the expression of that outrage,” he said.

Modi said the armed forces were given full autonomy to act in response to the attack. “After the 22nd, we gave a free hand to our armed forces. They decide the strategy, target and time. Our Forces did what had never been done for several decades. We entered hundreds of kilometres into the enemy soil and razed their terrorist headquarters to the ground...Destruction in Pakistan is so massive that new revelations are being made every day, and new information is coming out daily,” he stated.

In a strong warning, the Prime Minister said that India will no longer tolerate terrorism or those who support it, stressing that both would be treated the same.

“If the enemy dares to commit any more misadventure, the Indian Armed Forces will give them a befitting reply. We have now set a new normal. Terrorists and those who shelter them will not be seen separately. They are an equal danger to humanity with no difference,” he said.

Modi also addressed the Indus Water Treaty, calling it unjust and one-sided, and declared that Indian farmers had sole rights over the country’s share of the river waters.

“The rivers of India were irrigating the enemy country while our farmers were deprived of water. Now, the right over India's share of water belongs only to India and its farmers. A compromise on farmers' interests and national interests is not acceptable to us. India has decided that blood and water will not flow together. Our country has been bearing the pain of terrorism for many decades,” he said.