Mann Ki Baat 2026: Surgical Strikes Set New Benchmark in India’s Counter-Terror Policy, Says PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the 2016 surgical strikes marked a decisive shift in India’s response to terrorism, describing the operation as a significant example of the country’s counter-terrorism policy. His remarks came a day before the 10th anniversary of the September 28-29, 2016 operation.

PM Modi Recalls 2016 Surgical Strikes

Speaking during the 138th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi recalled how Indian Army personnel crossed the Line of Control (LoC) to target terrorist hideouts in Pakistan in September 2016. The strikes followed the September 2016 terror attack on an Army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 18 soldiers were killed. Modi said the operation demonstrated a new approach to dealing with terrorism. Surgical Strike Day 2022: Know How India Carried Out Daring Operation Against Pakistan and Names of Heroes Behind Successful Anti-Terror Strike.

PM Modi's 138th Episode of Mann Ki Baat

'Zero Tolerance' Policy Against Terrorism

The Prime Minister reiterated that India follows a “zero-tolerance policy” towards terrorism and said the country has made clear that terror attacks would be met with a strong and decisive response.

He also referred to subsequent counter-terror operations, including the 2019 Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor, as examples of India's approach over the past decade. EAM S Jaishankar Hits Back at Pakistan at UNGA, Says ‘Terrorism Cannot Be Normalised’.

Modi Recalls Earlier Terror Attacks

During the broadcast, Modi referred to major terror attacks India faced in the past, including the September 13, 2008 serial blasts in Delhi and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks later that year. He said India’s response to terrorism has changed over time and linked the surgical strikes to what he described as a more decisive counter-terrorism approach.

Remarks Come Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

Modi’s comments came amid renewed exchanges between India and Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the Kashmir issue in his UNGA address, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar subsequently said India would exercise its right to defend itself against terrorism and rejected attempts to normalise cross-border terrorism.

The 2016 surgical strikes will officially complete 10 years on September 28-29, marking a decade since the operation became a major reference point in India’s stated counter-terrorism policy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 27, 2026 03:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).