Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the 2016 surgical strikes were India’s decisive response to the pain of terror attacks and a bold example of the country’s counter-terrorism policy.

Speaking in the 138th episode of his monthly Mann Ki Baat broadcast, Modi said India follows a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and has made it clear that terrorism will be met with a strong and decisive response.

Modi recalled that on September 28-29, 2016, the Indian Army crossed the Line of Control to target terrorist hideouts in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, following the terror attack on an army camp in Uri. He said the world was astonished at how India’s brave soldiers took action against terrorism.

The remarks came a day before the 10th anniversary of the strikes. Modi also pointed to the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor as part of India’s approach over the past decade.

He said that over the past decade, from Balakot to Operation Sindoor, India has repeatedly sent a clear message that if terrorists target India, they will face a befitting response.

Why it matters: the comments reinforce India’s stated doctrine of retaliatory strikes on the anniversary of the 2016 operation.