Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Modi Recalls 9/11, Highlights Indian Victims and Counterterrorism
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 at the World Trade Center.
He expressed sympathy for the families who lost loved ones.
Modi also recalled visiting New York in 2014 to honor the victims.
Nineteen al-Qaeda terrorists had hijacked four airplanes during the attacks.
Two planes hit the World Trade Center, one hit the Pentagon, and one crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Modi connected the remembrance to India’s own experience with terrorist attacks.
He praised India’s 2016 surgical strikes against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan.
He said India now follows a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Indians were the largest group of victims after Americans in the World Trade Center attacks.
Modi offered condolences to victims’ families and recalled paying tribute in New York in 2014.
The September 11, 2001 attacks involved 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacking four commercial aircraft and killed 2,977 people.
India’s representative at the United Nations cited Osama bin Laden’s presence in Pakistan during a response to Pakistan’s address.
Modi linked the commemoration to India’s 2016 surgical strikes and its stated zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s United Nations representative, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the victims of the September 11 attacks are mentioned.
- What
- Modi commemorated 9/11, offered condolences, and discussed India’s counterterrorism actions.
- When
- The remarks were made on a Sunday during Modi’s September Mann Ki Baat programme; the attacks occurred on September 11, 2001.
- Where
- The attacks occurred in New York, Arlington, Virginia, and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania; Modi’s remarks were broadcast in India.
- Why
- Modi said the anniversary was an opportunity to remember the victims and highlighted India’s stated zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.
- September 11 attacks
- Nineteen al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger aircraft in coordinated attacks against the United States.
- Reported death toll
- Official US figures cited in the articles put the number killed at 2,977.
- Indian victims
- Modi said Indians constituted the highest number of victims after Americans at the World Trade Center.
- Modi’s 2014 visit
- Modi said he visited New York after becoming prime minister 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 subsequent 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
