On May 12, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message during his speech on Operation Sindoor, drawing an unexpected yet significant connection to India’s nuclear history, specifically the Smiling Buddha codename.
The Smiling Buddha Connection
In 1974, when India successfully detonated its first nuclear bomb at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan, the operation was codenamed “Smiling Buddha.” The test took place on Buddha Purnima, marking the birth of Gautama Buddha. This symbolized India’s “peaceful” nuclear explosion under the leadership of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Fast forward fifty-one years to May 2025, PM Modi chose the same Buddhist festival to address the nation on the recent military operations in Pakistan, reinforcing the historical significance of India’s nuclear stance. The Prime Minister’s message to Pakistan was clear: “India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. If Pakistan wants to survive, it will have to destroy its terror infrastructure. There is no other way to peace.”
Path to Peace Through Power
Drawing parallels with the speeches of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Indira Gandhi, PM Modi’s statement echoed India’s longstanding principle that peace comes through strength. Following the Pokhran-2 tests in 1998, Vajpayee, on Buddha Purnima, declared “Buddha Smiles Again” in recognition of India’s nuclear capabilities. Modi’s address also emphasized that the “path to peace” goes through power, asserting India’s commitment to defending its sovereignty against terrorism.
India’s Response to Terrorism: Operation Sindoor
PM Modi’s speech came just days after India launched Operation Sindoor—a response to a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on May 7, 2025, where 26 civilians lost their lives. In a decisive operation, India targeted nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was a testament to India’s unwavering stance on protecting its citizens from terrorism.
Modi warned Pakistan: “Instead of supporting India’s strike against terrorism, Pakistan started attacking India itself.” He reiterated that any future terrorist attack on India would meet a “fitting reply” as per India’s terms alone.
The Buddha Purnima Message
Closing his speech, PM Modi invoked the teachings of Lord Buddha: “Today is Buddha Purnima. Lord Buddha has shown us the path of peace.” However, with an important caveat: “The path to peace also goes through power.” This statement reinforces India’s current approach to national security, where peace is pursued through the strategic use of military might when necessary.
For more insights on India’s nuclear strategy and historical context, visit our article on India’s nuclear history.
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