2016 surgical strikes set new benchmark in India's anti-terror policy: PM

In his Mann Ki Baat programme, PM Modi said the 2016 surgical strikes marked a decisive turn in India's response to terrorism.New Delhi,Sep 27, 2026 14:53 ISTPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the 2016 surgical strikes were India’s decisive response to the pain caused by terror attacks and had set a new example of the country’s counter-terrorism policy.In his monthly Mann Ki Baat broadcast, he said India follows a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and has made it clear that terror will be dealt with strongly and decisively.PM Modi said that over the past decade, from the Balakot air strike to Operation Sindoor, India has repeatedly sent a clear message that any attempt by terrorists to target the country would invite a befitting response.Referring to the surgical strikes, PM Modi said, "A major historic achievement of India is set to mark its 10th anniversary in just a day - this achievement is the surgical strikes. Ten years ago, on September 28-29, 2016, the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan." The strikes were carried out across the Line of Control after terrorists attacked an army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 18 soldiers. In the same address, he also spoke about the fight against drugs, paid tribute to Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal, referred to the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, and highlighted cleanliness drives being led by young people across the country.He also mentioned that the world was astonished by the way Indian soldiers crossed the LoC to act against terrorism. "The surgical strike boldly demonstrated to the entire world a new example of India’s counter-terrorism policy," he said. PM Modi added that from the Balakot air strike to Operation Sindoor, India has shown that "if terrorists dare to cast an evil eye on the country, they will be met with a befitting response." The prime minister said India has suffered for a long time because of terrorist attacks and recalled a period when serial blasts had become common in the country. He said that on September 13, 2008, many innocent people were killed in serial blasts in Delhi. "Just a few weeks later, the massive 26/11 attack took place in Mumbai. In the past too, there used to be demands for action against Pakistan following every terror attack, but such calls were often not given due attention; time to pass by was simply awaited," he said. He added that India now pursues a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and that everyone is seeing the results.PM Modi’s remarks on cross-border terrorism came two days after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the Kashmir issue in his address at the UN General Assembly. Sharif said that to ensure South Asia never reaches "that precipice of the conflict of 2025 again", a just and fair solution to the Kashmir issue was needed. India has repeatedly rejected Pakistan’s position at the UNGA and other UN forums, saying Jammu and Kashmir has been, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.In his broadcast, PM Modi also said this year marks 25 years since the 9/11 terror attacks in the United States. He said that among those killed at the World Trade Centre, the highest number of victims after Americans were Indians."I recall that after becoming prime minister in 2014, when I visited the US, I had reached New York to pay homage to those innocent citizens. Today, once again, I extend my condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of crores of Indian citizens," he said.On the fight against drugs, the Prime Minister said millions of young people had recently taken a major pledge against substance abuse under the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan (Drug-free campaign for youth). He said they had promised to stay away from drugs and also spread the message to others."I had urged young people in Mann Ki Baat as well, to join this campaign using their creativity, and I am delighted that thousands of youth have stepped forward in response to this call," he said, adding that young people were taking the message forward in their own language and in their own way.Paying tribute to Ashok Singhal on his birth centenary, PM Modi said there were many aspects of his life that did not get enough attention."Alongside the Ram Mandir movement, he also waged a major battle against social discrimination and inequality. Today, on the occasion of his birth centenary, I bow to him on behalf of his millions of admirers. I offer my heartfelt tribute, on my part," he said.Speaking about the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, PM Modi said Mahmud of Ghazni had demolished the Somnath temple for the first time a thousand years ago, in 1026. He said those who came to destroy Somnath and erase India’s identity no longer exist, while the temple still stands in grandeur by the sea."That is why we celebrated the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' this year with immense pride," he said.Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary on October 2, the Prime Minister said Mahatma Gandhi had given people many guiding principles for life, including cleanliness. He said he had recently seen many inspiring cleanliness efforts.He also said that he had seen young people in Madhya Pradesh cleaning a river with support from the local community, youth in Andhra Pradesh cleaning old stepwells and wells to help restore heritage, and groups in Mumbai gathering every week to clean beaches. He also said children and youth in Delhi were raising awareness about waste segregation and cleanliness, while students in West Bengal were working with local people to clean market areas and picnic spots.- Ends