New Delhi, May 10, 2025 — In a bold and unprecedented statement, the Indian government has declared that any future terrorist attack on its soil will be considered an “act of war,” promising a swift and decisive response. The announcement, made by the Ministry of Defence, underscores India’s hardening stance against cross-border terrorism and signals a potential shift in its national security policy.
Speaking at a press conference, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, “India has always exercised restraint in the face of provocation, but our patience must not be mistaken for weakness. Any further terror attack orchestrated or supported from beyond our borders will be treated as an act of war, and India will respond accordingly with the full might of its armed forces.”
The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, following a series of intelligence reports indicating potential threats from terrorist groups allegedly backed by hostile neighboring states. While the government did not name any specific country, analysts suggest the warning is primarily directed at Pakistan, given the history of cross-border militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ministry of External Affairs further clarified that India would reserve the right to take preemptive or retaliatory actions, including military strikes, to neutralize threats. “We will not hesitate to act in self-defense to protect our citizens and sovereignty,” a ministry spokesperson said.
International reactions have been mixed. The United States and several European nations expressed support for India’s right to defend itself but urged restraint to avoid escalation in an already volatile region. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry denounced the statement as “provocative” and called for dialogue to address mutual concerns.
Security experts view the announcement as a significant escalation in India’s counterterrorism strategy. “This is a clear message that India is prepared to raise the costs for any state or non-state actor involved in terrorism,” said Dr. Ankit Sharma, a defense analyst at the Institute for Strategic Studies in New Delhi. “It also puts pressure on the international community to act against terror financing and safe havens.”
The Indian armed forces have been placed on high alert, with increased surveillance along the Line of Control (LoC) and international borders. The government has also vowed to strengthen its intelligence-sharing mechanisms with allied nations to preempt potential attacks.
