Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday declared that terrorism is no longer a proxy war but has taken the form of a real war, posing a direct threat to global peace, security, and sovereignty. The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing a high-level global security summit attended by national leaders, defense officials, and counterterrorism experts from across the world.
Referring to the changing nature of modern conflicts, PM Modi stated, “Terrorism is no longer limited to hidden agendas or indirect strategies. It is now a direct assault — a real war — aimed at destabilizing nations, societies, and economies.”
Although Modi refrained from naming any specific country, his remarks are seen as a veiled reference to India’s concerns over cross-border terrorism, particularly from neighboring Pakistan. He called for greater global coordination to tackle terrorism and urged nations to go beyond symbolic condemnations. “There is no good or bad terrorism. It is time for the world to act, not just talk,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister also outlined India’s efforts to strengthen its counterterrorism infrastructure, citing improvements in border security, intelligence coordination, cyber surveillance, and rapid response systems. He emphasized that while India advocates peace, it reserves the right to respond firmly to acts of aggression.
Modi further highlighted the increasing use of technology by terror groups, including drones, encrypted communication, and cyber warfare, stating that the battlefield is no longer just physical. “Today’s terrorists are armed with keyboards and code, not just guns and explosives,” he said.
Stressing the need for global cooperation, PM Modi reiterated India’s long-standing demand for a comprehensive convention on international terrorism at the United Nations. He also pointed to the lack of a universally accepted definition of terrorism as a major obstacle in counterterrorism efforts.
The speech comes at a time when India is strengthening its defense partnerships with several countries and participating in joint military exercises aimed at enhancing preparedness for emerging threats. Modi’s remarks are expected to bolster India’s push for greater global accountability in dealing with state-sponsored terrorism.
“Terrorism is the biggest enemy of humanity today. It respects no borders and targets the innocent. The world must unite with a policy of zero tolerance,” Modi concluded.
The statement has sparked strong reactions on social media, with national security analysts lauding the Prime Minister’s firm stance on the issue. His comments are expected to shape India’s diplomatic engagements and strategic positioning in upcoming international forums.
