PM Modi - Informed Pakistan before announcing the Balakot airstrike to the world

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a previously undisclosed account of how he made sure Pakistan was the first to know about the 2019 Balakot airstrike before it was announced globally. Speaking at a political rally in Karnataka's Bagalkot, he emphasised his approach of confronting adversaries openly rather than resorting to secrecy.

Modi recounted instructing the armed forces to inform the media and then contacting Pakistan by phone to inform them about the airstrikes and the damage caused. However, as Pakistani officials didn't answer the call, he instructed the forces to wait. After confirming with Pakistan, the news was then disclosed to the world.

This incident was tied to Modi's vision of the ‘new India’ policy, emphasising direct confrontation over clandestine actions. He reiterated his stance of facing challenges directly, without resorting to covert tactics.

Modi also issued a stern warning to those who attempt to harm innocent people in India, asserting that such actions would be met with decisive retaliation within enemy territory, reflecting the spirit of ‘New India.’

In a lighter moment, he shared how there was confusion initially during the airstrikes, with some mistaking the target location for Bagalkot in Karnataka. He clarified the situation through a press conference, detailing the operation and its impact on the enemy.

The Balakot airstrikes were India's response to the Pulwama terror attack, targeting a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp on February 26, 2019.

During the rally, Modi criticised the Congress party for its divisive politics, particularly its alleged favouritism towards Muslims in reservation policies, which he claimed violated the Constitution. He accused Congress of reallocating quota benefits from SC/STs, Dalits, and OBCs to Muslims, contrasting this with BJP's efforts to empower marginalised communities in public life.