MUMBAI — Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's defence and foreign policy, asserting that India's military posture has undergone a dramatic transformation that now deters potential adversaries from even contemplating an attack on the country.
Speaking at the 52nd India Gem & Jewelry Awards ceremony in Mumbai, Shah pointed to a series of high-profile military operations carried out by Indian forces under Modi's leadership as evidence of this shift. He specifically referenced the surgical strikes across the Line of Control in 2016, the aerial retaliation in Balakot the following year, and other actions he collectively termed "Operation Sindoor" — a phrase used by Shah to describe what appears to be a broader strategic campaign against terrorism.
"Who could have imagined earlier that in the event of a terrorist attack, India's Prime Minister would be ready to cross into Pakistan's territory to respond?" Shah asked the audience. His remarks reflected a widely discussed change in India's military doctrine, which since 2014 has moved away from a strictly defensive posturing toward a more proactive strategy of offensive retaliation across international borders when threats are perceived.
Shah stated that under Modi, India has built a defence framework so formidable that enemies now pause and reconsider any plans to strike Indian soil. The home minister did not elaborate on specific details of ongoing operations but framed them as part of a coherent national security vision.
The jewellery awards event in Mumbai drew business leaders, celebrities, and government officials. Shah's speech quickly became the centre of attention at the function, with attendees noting the political significance of his comments coming from such a high-profile public platform.
Defence analysts say India's willingness to conduct cross-border operations under Modi has indeed altered the strategic calculus of neighbouring countries, though critics argue the long-term diplomatic consequences remain debated.
