2016 surgical strikes, an answer to exporters of terrorism: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the 2016 surgical strikes were an answer to the exporters of terrorism, which sent out a strong message.

"When someone has put a terror export factory in place, attacks my people, has no power to fight a war, so makes attempts to attack behind the back, in such a case Modi knows how to give a reply in the same language. The strikes sent a message that India has changed and their antics will not be tolerated," Prime Minister Modi said while speaking to the Indian diaspora in the UK.

Prime Minister Modi noted that Pakistan was informed when India retaliated.

"We informed them about surgical strikes before we talked to the media. We never hide anything," he said.

He also stressed on the fact that India would never accept the terrorism.

"We believe in peace. But we will not tolerate those who like to export terror. We will give back strong answers and in the language they understand. Terrorism will never be accepted," the Prime Minister said.

"I said before India gets to know, we should call Pakistan and tell them what we did so they can come and take dead bodies if they have time. We were calling them since 11 am but they were scared to come on phone, at 12 we spoke to them and then told Indian media," he stated.

The surgical strikes were carried out under the aegis of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), spearheaded by Prime Minister Modi. The Indian Army conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and destroyed terrorist launch pads and killed many terrorists, on September 29, 2016.

He added, "Look back at India's history. India has never desired anyone else's territory. During World War 1 and 2 we had no stake but our soldiers took part in the Wars. These were big sacrifices. Look at our role in UN Peacekeeping Forces."

Prime Minister Modi had a packed schedule for today, which included meeting his British counterpart Theresa May and Prince Charles and signing of several MoUs.

The Prime Minister participated in the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' programme at the Central Hall Westminster in London on Wednesday night. Along with live questions from the audience present there, questions were also sourced from Facebook, Twitter and the NaMo app.

The event saw the Prime Minister answering questions by the people on politics, policy and social themes.

Prime Minister Modi, who is on a five-day tour to three nations, arrived at the Heathrow airport of the United Kingdom on Tuesday to take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.