New Delhi, May 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong and unequivocal statement reaffirming India’s long-standing position on the Kashmir issue. PM Modi declared that there would be no dialogue with Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir unless it pertains to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). His remarks come at a time of renewed regional tensions and international calls for dialogue between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
In a recent address via videoconference, the Prime Minister spoke of India’s strength and restraint in recent days, acknowledging the contributions of the country’s armed forces, intelligence agencies, and scientists. He dedicated the bravery of India’s soldiers, who carried out Operation Sindoor, to every mother, sister, and daughter in the nation. He highlighted the courage and resilience displayed by the Indian armed forces in achieving the mission objectives, particularly in responding to a barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which shocked both the nation and the world.
Historical Context
The Kashmir conflict traces its roots back to the partition of India in 1947. Pakistan occupied a part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir after a tribal invasion supported by its army, leading to the first India-Pakistan war. Since then, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Gilgit-Baltistan, has remained under Pakistan’s control.
India has consistently maintained that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK, is an integral part of its sovereign territory. In 1994, the Indian Parliament passed a unanimous resolution reaffirming this position.
Revocation of Article 370: A Turning Point
PM Modi’s statement is also rooted in the significant constitutional change in August 2019 when the Government of India revoked Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and reorganizing it into two Union Territories — Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh. Since then, India has maintained that Kashmir is strictly an internal matter and has repeatedly rebuffed any foreign intervention, including from the UN and third-party mediators.
Operation Sindoor: A New Standard in Counter-Terrorism
In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, PM Modi announced Operation Sindoor, describing it as an unwavering pledge to justice. He emphasized that the operation’s success came from precise Indian missile and drone strikes on terrorist hubs and training centers in Pakistan, effectively dismantling long-standing terrorist infrastructures in regions like Bahawalpur and Muridke. The operation led to the elimination of over 100 dangerous terrorists, including key figures who had openly plotted against India for decades.
PM Modi highlighted that the strikes not only shattered terrorist infrastructure but also shattered Pakistan’s morale, sending a strong message that India would not tolerate terrorism. He reaffirmed India’s policy that any discussion with Pakistan would be limited to terrorism and the return of PoK, asserting, “Terror and talks can’t go together.”
Message to Pakistan and the International Community
The Prime Minister’s statement was aimed at sending a clear diplomatic message to both Pakistan and the international community:
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To Pakistan: India will not entertain any bilateral talks on Kashmir unless they concern the return of territories under Pakistani occupation.
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To the World: India sees no room for third-party mediation and continues to oppose attempts by countries or global organizations to “internationalize” the issue.
Pakistan’s Reaction and India’s Strategic Shift
In response to the operation, Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes against Indian schools, civilian areas, and military bases. However, Indian defense systems successfully neutralized these attempts, further highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerabilities. After significant losses, Pakistan appealed to India for de-escalation, leading to a temporary suspension of India’s counter-operations.
PM Modi declared that India’s armed forces remain on high alert and that Operation Sindoor has set a new standard for counter-terrorism, with a policy of Decisive Retaliation, No Tolerance for Nuclear Blackmail, and No Distinction Between Terror Sponsors and Terrorists.
Strategic Implications
Modi’s hardline statement reflects India’s growing geopolitical confidence, bolstered by strengthened strategic alliances with countries like the U.S., France, and Quad partners, as well as a focus on defense modernization. PM Modi emphasized that India’s new defense capabilities, including Made in India defense equipment, have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi’s unambiguous declaration on Kashmir marks a critical juncture in India’s diplomatic and military stance. By reiterating that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is the only pending issue, India aims to shut the door on any misinterpretation of its position on Jammu and Kashmir’s status. Asserting India’s strength, the Prime Minister concluded with a reminder that terrorism and peace cannot coexist. India’s firm position on Kashmir, coupled with a decisive military response, sends a clear message: India will not be intimidated and will continue to take strong measures to safeguard its sovereignty.
You can read Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official statement regarding India’s position on future talks with Pakistan, emphasizing that discussions will be limited to terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), on the Press Information Bureau (PIB) website:
👉 PM Modi addresses the nation on Operation Sindoor
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