India's Modi says fighting 'only paused' in wake of conflict with Pakistan
Indian Premier Narendra Modi has said India 'only paused' its military action against Pakistan, in his first speech to the nation since a ceasefire following last week's heightened cross-border conflict that pushed the two nuclear-armed nations to the brink of another full-scale war.
Speaking from New Delhi on Wednesday, Modi, known for his hardline nationalist stance, stressed that India draws no line between terrorist groups and the governments that support them. He warned that any future acts of terrorism targeting India would be met with retaliation “on its own terms.”
On May 6, India launched missile strikes against what it described as terrorist facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan denied these claims and accused India of escalating tensions.
Modi accused Islamabad of choosing confrontation over combating terrorism and made it clear that India would not submit to what he termed 'nuclear blackmail.' He stated, 'We will be closely watching Pakistan’s every move,' adding, 'This is not a time for war, but it is certainly not a time for terrorism either.'
Addressing the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty, Modi signaled a major policy shift by linking water resources to national security. 'Terrorism and trade cannot coexist, just as blood and water cannot flow together,' he declared. The treaty, which was brokered by the World Bank and has withstood decades of hostilities, now appears to be under strain, with India halting water flow to Pakistan as a potential bargaining tool.
Responding to India’s move, Pakistan’s Finance Minister insisted in a media interview that the treaty’s suspension must be reversed, asserting that its original terms must be reinstated.
India holds Pakistan responsible for a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, where 26 tourists lost their lives. Pakistan has firmly rejected the accusation.
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