New Delhi/IBNS: In a bold address to the nation, his first one after Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent out a loud message against terrorism and "terror-backing state" Pakistan, stating that India will not tolerate any such misadventure or give in to nuclear blackmailing, and instead deliver a befitting reply in its own terms.

He started the address by lauding the Indian armed forces for Operation Sindoor and reiterating how the April 22 Pahalgam attack had pained him personally.

"Following the Pahalgam attack, every citizen as well as every political party united to see strong action against this attack. The government had then given full freedom to our armed forces to respond to the terrorist attack," PM Modi said.

"Every terrorist now knows what the price is of wiping out the 'sindoor' (vermilion) of women. Operation Sindoor is just not a name; it reflects our emotions, sentiments, and signifies our firm resolve to get justice," he said.

Stating that India will continue its action against terrorism, Modi said, "Our aim was clear: On May 6-7, we hit terror hideouts, their training centres, and terror camps in Pakistan. These terrorists had never imagined that India was capable of taking such bold and strong actions against them."

"When we hit them, it not only destroyed terror infrastructures but also their courage. Places like Muridke and Bahawalpur have links to every big terrorist attack across the world, whether it be 9/11, the London Tube bombings, or the Mumbai attacks. We have eliminated more than 100 terrorists and struck their headquarters," he said.

The Indian Prime Minister slammed Pakistan for sheltering terrorists and said, "These terrorists have been sheltered in Pakistan, and the country went into a deep state of shock after India's action on terrorism on their land."

He said, "Instead of cooperating with us on our fight against terrorism, Pakistan targeted us with drones on our schools, colleges, gurudwaras, and civilians' homes."

After being severely battered at the hands of the Indian military, Pakistan reached out to the Indian DGMO, the PM stated.

Reiterating that India has zero tolerance against terrorism, Modi said, "Our fight against terrorism is not over. We have just paused our action for now and we will measure every move taken by Pakistan to deal with them in the future."

"Operation Sindoor has scripted a new normal that India will give a befitting reply to terrorism if we are attacked. We will strike at those places from where terrorism originates," he said.

"Secondly, we will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. Attack on India will be met with a befitting reply, and the response will be on our terms. Thirdly, we will not see terrorism and state-sponsored terrorism as different. We will take action against anyone backing terrorism. Operation Sindoor has set a new benchmark," the PM said.

Lauding India's air defence system that kept the country safe, PM Modi said, "During this operation, we have showcased our modern weapons and military might. Made In India weapons and defence systems were tested and proven and the world saw that. We agree that his era doesn't belong to war, but it also does not belong to terrorism."

"The way the Pakistani government is backing terrorism, it will destroy its own country. They will have to clear and flush out terror infrastructure."

Sending out a strong message globally, PM Modi said, "Our intentions are clear: Terror and talks cannot happen together, terror and trade cannot go hand-in-hand, and blood and water cannot flow together. Let me declare it to the world, if India and Pakistan talk, it will be on terrorism, it will be on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"I once again salute the Indian military and laud the unity of all citizens in this fight against terrorism," said the PM in his concluding remarks.

PM Modi address came a day after a ceasefire was announced between India and Pakistan amid the recent escalation following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which left 26 people, mostly non-Muslims, dead, and the subsequent response by the India Armed Forces on May 7 when nine terror bases located in PoK and Pakistan were targeted. The Indian Armed Forces had named it 'Operation Sindoor'