By: Dr. Avi Verma
Publisher, IndoUS Tribune

For decades, India suffered in silence. From the Mumbai train bombings of 2006 to the horrific 26/11 attacks, the nation mourned its dead while the world offered condolences—but rarely took action. The previous regimes chose restraint, diplomacy, and dossiers. Yet, the perpetrators of terror—most often nurtured in the neighborhood—roamed freely, emboldened by India’s cautious and often passive response.

But under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s position on terrorism has undergone a tectonic shift. The country is no longer content being the world’s quiet casualty. Modi’s India is asserting itself, not just at home but globally, in a calibrated campaign to counter terrorism with strength, clarity, and diplomatic resolve.

From ‘victim’ to ‘vigilant enforcer’

The transformation began soon after Modi came to power in 2014. The slogans changed from silence to strength. The phrase “Ghus ke marenge” (We will strike them inside their borders) became a rallying cry, not just for the armed forces but for the collective Indian psyche. The Uri attack of 2016 prompted India’s first publicly declared surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC)—a bold, unprecedented response that shocked Pakistan and signaled a new doctrine of retaliation.

This was followed by the Balakot air strikes in 2019, after the Pulwama suicide bombing claimed the lives of 40 CRPF jawans. India launched precision strikes deep into Pakistan’s territory, targeting Jaish-e-Mohammed camps. For the first time in decades, the Indian establishment had matched rhetoric with military might, and in full view of the global community.

Operation Sindoor: A new chapter

Now, in 2025, India has once again demonstrated that it is willing to cross borders—not just militarily but diplomatically—to safeguard its citizens. The recent Operation Sindoor, targeting individuals responsible for anti-India terrorist activity on foreign soil including in Pakistan, , marks a chilling message: India will not allow its sovereignty to be threatened, no matter where the threat lies.

While reports of covert operations remain speculative in the public domain, their impact is not. The “shock and awe” created by India’s readiness to neutralize terror threats abroad has drawn global attention. For the first time, countries that previously turned a blind eye to anti-India extremism on their soil—citing free speech or domestic complexities—are facing diplomatic heat.

Building consensus, leading with unity

Yet, the Modi administration has not relied on military might alone. In a powerful act of democratic diplomacy, the Government has assembled an all-party delegation—an unusual and commendable move—to explain India’s position to the global community. Spearheaded by the Ministry of External Affairs and led by the ever-pragmatic Dr. S. Jaishankar, this delegation is a clear indication that India is treating the war on terror as a national—not partisan—issue.

Bringing opposition leaders on board not only amplifies India’s voice on the international stage but also shows that India speaks in one voice on matters of national security. This move is a case study in how diplomacy and national unity can together create pressure on global platforms like the UN, G20, and even the Commonwealth.

India’s global standing: A redefined narrative

India’s firm stance on terror has forced the global community to recalibrate its approach. Once seen merely as a “regional actor” concerned about Pakistan, India is now viewed as a global stakeholder in the fight against terrorism. Its partnerships with nations like Israel, France, and the United States have deepened, not just in defense but in counterterrorism strategy and intelligence sharing.

Prime Minister Modi has also not shied away from using international forums to call out hypocrisy. At the United Nations, in bilateral talks, and in diaspora engagements, he has often questioned the tolerance of some Western democracies for radical elements masquerading under the guise of civil liberties.

Challenges ahead

Still, this transformation is not without its challenges. Allegations of extrajudicial actions, particularly on foreign soil, have raised eyebrows in countries like Canada and the U.S., especially following high-profile investigations into targeted killings of pro-Khalistani figures. While India has firmly denied official involvement, it is clear that New Delhi’s stance has become less apologetic and more unapologetically strategic.

India will have to continue walking a fine line—balancing national security imperatives with international legal norms, while keeping diplomacy intact. And here, the recent all-party initiative offers hope: it shows India can be tough without being isolated.

Conclusion

Under Modi, India is not merely reacting to terror—it is shaping the global narrative around it. From surgical strikes to Operation Sindoor, from dossiers to direct action, and from quiet diplomacy to unified global advocacy, the country has transformed its response.

India is no longer the silent victim. It is a sovereign power that acts—with clarity, conviction, and now, with consensus. The war on terror is far from over, but India’s new playbook ensures it will never again be fought on someone else’s terms.