In his first address to the nation after the Operation Sindoor, PM Narendra Modi on Monday said that India has shown what happens when 'sindoor' (vermilion) is snatched off the heads of the women of the country.

Calling the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack as the 'barbaric face of terrorism', the Prime Minister said that it was a personal pain for him.

Operation Sindoor was launched by India in direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which began on May 7 with a series of coordinated strikes involving missiles and drones that targeted nine terror camps deep inside Pakistan. As part of this operation, more than 100 terrorists were neutralised, Pakistani drones were intercepted, and air bases were precisely struck, forcing Pakistan to 'request' a halt in attacks.

"Dushman ne hamare behno, betiyon ke maathe se sindoor hatane ka nateeja dekh liya hai (Enemy has now realised consequences of removing 'sindoor' from forehead of our women)," he said.

"Operation Sindoor is not just a name. It is a reflection of the feelings of millions of people in the country. It is an unbroken pledge of justice. Late night of 6 May and morning of 7 May, the whole world has seen this pledge turning into results," he added.

Here are highlights from the PM's speech

Our brave soldiers have shown unparalleled valor in achieving the objectives of Operation Sindoor. Today, I dedicate their courage, their bravery, and their heroism to them. I also dedicate this heroism to every mother, sister, and daughter of our nation.

Pahalgam attack was the most barbaric face of terrorism; it was a personal pain for me.

We gave armed forces full liberty to grind terrorists into dust.

Enemy has now realised consequences of removing 'sindoor' from forehead of our women; Operation Sindoor was not just a name.

On May 7, whole world saw our resolve turn into action.

When our missiles and drones destroyed terror sites in Pakistan, not only their buildings but their spirit was also demolished.

More than 100 dreaded terrorists were slaughtered in Indian attack.

Pakistan slumped into gloom after our attack on terror camps but they dared to attack us rather than helping fight terror.

Entire world saw how Pakistani drones were downed into dumps by our military might.

India has struck at heart of Pakistan, our missiles attacked with precision to damage their air bases.

Pakistan pleaded with us to stop attacks but we considered it only after they promised to stop their misadventure.

After being soundly beaten, Pakistan contacted us in desperation.

We have only kept in abeyance our operations against Pakistan, future will depend on their behaviour.

Pakistan has to dismantle its terror infrastructure. There is no other way to peace

Operation Sindoor is now India's new policy against terrorism, a new line has been drawn.

India will not tolerate any form of nuclear blackmail. We will take decisive action against terrorist bases operating under the guise of such threats. There will be no distinction between government-sponsored terrorism and terrorist organizations. The world witnessed the grim reality of Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, when top officials of the Pakistani military openly stood in solidarity with terrorists. This stands as the strongest evidence of state-sponsored terrorism.

Terrorists being fed by Pakistan will destroy Pakistan itself one day.

This is not an era of war but it is also not an era of terrorism.

Terror and talks cannot go together; water and blood cannot flow together.

When Pakistan reached out, they assured that there would be no further terrorist activity or military aggression from their side. Only then did India consider its response. I repeat once again — we have merely suspended our retaliatory actions against Pakistan’s terrorist and military targets for now.

We will not differentiate between the government which is under the influence of terrorists and the handlers of terrorists

Today is Buddha Purnima. Lord Buddha showed us the path of peace — and that path to peace also goes through strength. For humanity to progress toward peace and prosperity, and for every Indian to live in peace and help realise the dream of a developed India, it is essential for India to be strong. When necessary, using that strength is also important — and in the past few days, India has done just that.