"Highest number of victims after Americans, were Indians": PM Modi recalls 9/11 attacks

Speaking in his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, PM Modi said this year marked 25 years since the 9/11 attacks and recalled his visit to New York after becoming Prime Minister in 2014, when he paid homage to the victims.

"This year also marks 25 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Among the innocent lives lost at the World Trade Center in the US, the highest number of victims--after Americans--were Indians. I recall that after becoming Prime Minister in 2014, when I visited the US, I had reached New York to pay my homage to those innocent citizens. Today, once again, I extend my condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of crores of Indian citizens," PM Modi said.

The remarks came after India exercised its right of reply at the UN General Assembly on Friday (local time) following Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's address, with Indian diplomat Petal Gahlot referring to the presence of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

"This afternoon, the General Assembly heard some bizarre remarks from the representative of Pakistan. This happens just a fortnight after New York City and the world marked the 25th anniversary of the horrendous 9-11 terrorist attack. This context is important to keep in mind because its mastermind, Osama bin Laden, was living right on the doorstep of the Pakistani Army's premier academy. This was the very entity which was the subject of such deep genuflection before us today by the representative of Pakistan. But all this is only to be expected from what Pakistanis themselves call a Form 47 government," Gahlot said.

On September 11, 2001, 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger aircraft in coordinated attacks against the United States. Two aircraft were flown into the World Trade Center's Twin Towers in New York, while a third struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth aircraft crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew attempted to regain control.

The attacks killed 2,977 people, according to official US figures.

PM Modi also recalled India's experience with terrorism while speaking about the 10th anniversary of the 2016 surgical strikes during the same 'Mann Ki Baat' episode.

"I am getting an opportunity to meet you once again for the September edition of Mann Ki Baat. I welcome all the people of the country. In Mann Ki Baat, we provide a platform for the positive efforts of our countrymen and discuss the nation's achievements. One such major, historic achievement of India is set to mark its 10th anniversary in just a day this achievement is the Surgical Strike. Ten years ago, on September 28-29, 2016, the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. The world was astonished to see the manner in which our brave soldiers crossed the Line of Control (LoC) to take action against terrorism," PM Modi said.

"The surgical strike boldly demonstrated to the entire world a new example of Indias counter-terrorism policy. The Surgical Strike was our decisive response to the long-standing pain India had endured due to terrorist attacks. Over the past decade--from the Balakot airstrike to Operation Sindoor--India has repeatedly sent a clear message: if terrorists dare to cast an evil eye on India, they will be met with a befitting response," PM Modi added.

PM Modi also recalled the September 13, 2008 serial blasts in Delhi and the subsequent 26/11 Mumbai attacks while highlighting India's current approach to terrorism.

"India has long suffered wounds inflicted by terrorist attacks. There was a time when serial blasts had become a common occurrence in the country. It was in this very month of September - specifically on September 13, 2008 - that many innocent lives were lost in the serial blasts in Delhi. Just a few weeks later, the massive 26/11 attack took place in Mumbai. Friends, in the past too, there used to be demands for action against Pakistan following every terror attack, but such calls were often not given due attention; time to pass by was simply awaited. Today, India pursues a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, and we are witnessing the results of that," PM Modi said. (ANI)