2 hrs ago
PM Modi Recalls Indian Victims of 9/11 Attacks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001.
He said Indians were the largest group of victims after Americans.
He expressed sympathy for the families who lost loved ones.
Modi also remembered visiting New York in 2014 to honor the victims.
The attacks involved 19 al-Qaeda terrorists who hijacked four airplanes.
Two planes hit the World Trade Center, one hit the Pentagon, and one crashed in Pennsylvania.
Modi connected the remembrance to India’s own experience with terrorist attacks.
He also praised India’s 2016 surgical strikes and its tougher approach to terrorism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Indians were the largest group of victims after Americans in the September 11 attacks.
Modi offered condolences to the families of those killed and recalled paying tribute in New York in 2014.
The September 11, 2001 attacks killed 2,977 people after 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four passenger aircraft.
India’s UN representative cited Osama bin Laden’s presence in Pakistan during a response to Pakistan’s address.
Modi also highlighted India’s 2016 surgical strikes and its stated zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s representative at the United Nations, and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are mentioned.
- What
- Modi commemorated the September 11 attacks, offered condolences, and discussed India’s counter-terrorism actions.
- Where
- The attacks took place in New York, Arlington, Virginia, and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania; Modi’s remarks were broadcast in India.
- When
- The remarks were made on a Sunday during Modi’s monthly Mann Ki Baat programme; the attacks occurred on September 11, 2001.
- Why
- Modi said the anniversary was an opportunity to remember the victims and highlighted India’s stated zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.
Key facts
- September 11 attacks
- Nineteen al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger aircraft in coordinated attacks against the United States.
- Death toll
- Official US figures cited in the article put the number killed at 2,977.
- Indian victims
- Modi said Indians constituted the highest number of victims after Americans.
- Modi’s 2014 visit
- After becoming prime minister, Modi said he visited New York and paid homage to the victims.
- United Nations exchange
- India exercised its right of reply after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the UN General Assembly.
- 2016 surgical strikes
- Modi said the Indian Army conducted strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan on September 28–29, 2016.
- Other attacks mentioned
- Modi referred to the September 13, 2008 Delhi serial blasts and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Quotes
Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of India speaking during the Mann Ki Baat broadcast
“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.”
NDTV
“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.”
NDTV











