New Delhi, Aug 15 (KINS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, lauded the armed forces for their decisive victory in Operation Sindoor, saying they were given a complete free hand — with the time, location, and strategy left entirely to military commanders.
“I salute the heroes of Operation Sindoor,” he declared. “Our brave jawans punished the enemy beyond imagination. On April 22, terrorists crossed into Pahalgam and killed innocents after asking their religion. The entire nation was outraged, and the world was shocked. Operation Sindoor was the answer to that outrage — our forces entered hundreds of kilometres into enemy territory and razed their terrorist headquarters to the ground.”
The Prime Minister asserted that India will not bow to nuclear blackmail, warning that “terrorists and their friends will not be spared.”
Linking the success of the operation to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat drive, Modi credited indigenous defence manufacturing for enabling swift, independent action. “If we were not self-reliant, Operation Sindoor would not have been possible. Our enemies underestimated ‘Make in India’ — and paid the price,” he said, adding that upcoming milestones include Made-in-India semiconductors by year-end and the country’s own space station in the near future.
Paying tribute to women’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle and Constitution-making, Modi said their role remains central to the nation’s progress.
On the Indus Waters Treaty, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s firm position: “Blood and water will not flow together.” He said the people now realise how unjust the treaty has been, signalling a continued tough stance in the backdrop of strained ties with Pakistan.(KINS)

