New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed that he had informed Pakistan about the 2019 Balakot air strikes before revealing the operation to the world.
Addressing a poll rally in Karnataka’s Bagalkot on Monday, PM Modi emphasized his commitment to transparent and upfront actions. “Modi doesn’t believe in attacking from the back and fights openly face to face,” he declared to the cheering crowd.
PM Modi recounted the sequence of events, stating, “I had asked the forces to call the media and inform them, but I said before that I will inform Pakistan through telephone about airstrikes at night and the destruction caused, but Pakistan people did not come on the phone. So I asked forces to wait, and after informing them, we later disclosed to the world about airstrikes that happened during the night.”
Reiterating his stance on transparency and openness, the Prime Minister added, “Modi doesn’t hide things nor attacks from hiding, and does things openly.”
In a stern warning to those who threaten the safety of innocent citizens, Modi asserted, “This is Naya Bharat (New India). Ghar me ghuskar ke maarega (will kill inside one’s (enemy) territory).”
Reflecting on the confusion surrounding the strikes, Modi highlighted the initial misconception that the attack was carried out in Bagalkot, a district in Karnataka. “When India launched air strikes in Pakistan, many people initially thought it was conducted in Bagalkot, the similar-sounding Karnataka district,” he clarified.
Modi emphasized the subsequent press conference held to provide comprehensive details of the operation and the damage inflicted upon the adversaries.
India’s Balakot air strikes, conducted on February 26, 2019, targeted a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in response to the Pulwama terror attack.
Modi’s assertions come amidst heightened political rhetoric as India gears up for crucial state elections, with national security and defence issues prominently featured in the campaign discourse.
