Indian Army Chief Warns Pakistan: Operation Sindoor Was Just a Trailer of India's Military Capabilities

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi declared that Operation Sindoor was merely a trailer that concluded within 88 hours.

New Delhi:

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized on Monday how the Indian Armed Forces' rapid response and defense capabilities enabled India to deliver an appropriate response to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor. Describing the operation as an "88-hour trailer," he affirmed that the armed forces stand ready to "teach them (Pakistan) how to behave responsibly with a neighboring nation" should similar situations arise.

"Operation Sindoor was just a trailer which ended in 88 hours. We are prepared for any circumstances in future. If Pakistan gives a chance, we will teach it how to behave responsibly with a neighboring nation," stated General Dwivedi during his address at the curtain raiser event for the 'Chanakya Defence Dialogues' in New Delhi.

Reflecting on lessons gained from the operation, the COAS highlighted three key aspects: integration between forces, securing adequate supplies for extended conflicts, and ensuring decisions are made at all levels of the command structure.

"Whenever an operation occurs, we learn from it, and this time was no exception. One crucial lesson was that we have very limited time to make decisions, and decisions must be made promptly at every level," he explained.

Regarding integration among armed forces, the COAS stated, "Another essential element is integration, meaning all forces—whether Army, Navy, Air Force, CAPF, or any others—need excellent coordination because today's battles span multiple domains. The army alone cannot fight a battle; everyone must work together... Many elements have been combined."

He also stressed India's need to maintain sufficient food and ammunition supplies for prolonged conflicts, potentially lasting four years if necessary.

"We cannot predict how long a battle will last. This time we fought for 88 hours; next time it could be four months or even four years. Considering that, do we have adequate supplies and weapons for such a scenario? If not, we must prepare accordingly," he added.

Discussing how India has "established a new normal" following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, he stated that the country's forces are prepared to "take action" against any nation creating obstacles to India's progress, demonstrated by India's refusal to yield to "blackmail attempts."

"When a country supports state-sponsored terrorism, it becomes concerning for India. India focuses on progress. If anyone hinders our path, we will take necessary action against them. When we refer to the new normal, we maintain that talks and terror cannot coexist. We simply ask for adoption of peaceful processes, which we will support. Until then, we will treat terrorists and their sponsors equally," he declared.

He further noted the improving security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting a significant reduction in terrorist incidents following the abrogation of Article 370.

"After August 5, 2019 (abrogation of Article 370), the situation in Jammu & Kashmir has transformed dramatically. Political clarity has emerged, and terrorism has declined substantially in the region," he observed.

The Chanakya Defence Dialogues is a premier international seminar organized by the Indian Army, designed to bring together policymakers, strategic thinkers, academics, defense personnel, veterans, scientists, and subject experts from India and abroad to examine India's strategic directions and developmental priorities.

This year's theme for the dialogues is 'Reform to Transform, Sashakt, Surakshit, aur Viksit Bharat.' While COAS General Upendra Dwivedi addressed the curtain raiser event in New Delhi, the main event will take place from November 27 to November 28 in the national capital.