India Follows a ‘Zero-Tolerance’ Policy Against Terrorism—Prime Minister Narendra Modi
New Delhi, India | September 27, 2026 | The Global Journal
India is currently following a “zero-tolerance policy” against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. He made the remarks during the 138th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 surgical strike.
The Prime Minister said the 2016 surgical strike was a significant milestone in India’s counter-terrorism policy. According to him, the operation demonstrated India’s firm position against cross-border terrorism on the international stage.
Ten Years Since the 2016 Surgical Strike
Recalling the operation, Modi said the Indian Army conducted a surgical strike against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan on September 28 and 29, 2016. According to his remarks, the operation involved crossing the Line of Control (LoC) to target terrorists.
He said the operation presented a new example of India’s counter-terrorism policy to the world and demonstrated the country’s firm resolve to respond to the suffering caused by terrorist attacks over the years.
The operation was conducted following the September 18, 2016, attack on an Army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. India had said at the time that the operation targeted terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control.
Modi on the ‘Zero-Tolerance Policy’
During his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, the Prime Minister also referred to several past terrorist attacks. He mentioned the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, as well as the 2008 terrorist attacks in Delhi and Mumbai.
Modi said that in the past, calls for action against Pakistan were made following various terrorist attacks, but such demands did not receive sufficient attention. According to him, India today is moving forward with a “zero-tolerance policy” against terrorism and is also seeing the results of that approach.
The Prime Minister further said that India has made its position clear about responding firmly and strongly to terrorism.
Rajnath Singh Issues Strong Message on Terrorism
Meanwhile, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s position on countering terrorism. Speaking at the NDTV Defence Summit on September 27, he said India believes in peace and does not want war, but would not compromise on national security.
Rajnath Singh said that if a neighbouring country continues to support or promote terrorism, India would remain prepared to carry out strikes against terrorists. At the same time, he said India does not want to occupy another country’s territory or threaten anyone.
The Defence Minister also emphasized India’s defence capabilities and self-reliance. His remarks highlighted modern warfare systems, technology, artificial intelligence, drones and the expansion of domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.
India’s Position on Counter-Terrorism
The recent remarks by Modi and Rajnath Singh highlight India’s stated position of maintaining a firm approach toward terrorism and prioritizing national security. At the same time, the Indian government continues to emphasize self-reliance in defence production, the use of emerging technologies and the development of modern military capabilities.
As the 10th anniversary of the 2016 surgical strike approaches, Prime Minister Modi’s remarks have once again brought India’s evolving counter-terrorism policy and its current “zero-tolerance” approach into focus.
