Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has always been firm in using Hindi on international platforms such as the UN and G20, broke his rule on Thursday by switching over to English in a rally in Bihar’s Madhubani. His language change was strategic it was not only for India but for the world in the wake of a horrific terrorist strike in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
#WATCH | On Pahalgam terror attack, PM Modi says, “Today, on the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism.… pic.twitter.com/8SPHOAJIi2
— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025
A Stern Message to the Global Stage
“Today, in Bihar’s soil, I tell the entire world India will trace, identify, and punish all terrorists and their supporters,” Modi stated. Highlighting the resilience of the country, he stated that terrorism will not be left unpunished and India’s determination to face terrorism has never wavered. The PM thanked global leaders who came forward with expressions of solidarity after the attack.
Pahalgam Attack Draws Global Condemnation
The rally came in the wake of Tuesday’s savage terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 27 were killed and more than 20 injured. The attack, one of the most fatal against civilians and tourists in recent decades, has left the world outraged. Leaders such as US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decried the attack.
Strategic Use of English to Enhance the Message
Modi’s decision to speak in English, the lingua franca of diplomacy was seen as a strategic move to ensure that India’s message echoed beyond its borders. It was not a symbolic gesture but a calculated appeal to international leaders, organisations, and those enabling terror networks.
A Call for Unified Global Action
By speaking to the world in English, Modi issued not only a message but also a call to action calling for collective action in the global campaign against terrorism and reaffirming India’s leadership in this important war.
