Op Sindoor Laid Down New Normal, Established Atmanirbhar Bharat: Army Chief

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has said that Operation Sindoor marked a “new normal” in India’s response to terrorism and highlighted the growing role of indigenous defence capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Speaking in an exclusive interview on the eve of his retirement, he said the operation demonstrated that future conflicts are likely to be short, intense, and technology-driven.

Operation Sindoor was carried out in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam last year, which killed 27 people on April 22. Within weeks, between May 7 and 10, Indian armed forces conducted precision strikes on terror infrastructure operated by Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The strikes reportedly targeted nine terrorist facilities, including key locations in Bahawalpur, while avoiding civilian and military hubs.

General Dwivedi said the operation established a clear strategic message that any act of terrorism would invite a decisive response, with no distinction made between terrorists and their sponsors or enablers. He added that the operation reflected India’s ability to combine national resolve, credible intelligence, precision targeting, and joint military planning to achieve strategic objectives without escalating into uncontrolled conflict.

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He further noted that Operation Sindoor demonstrated a shift in modern warfare, where conflicts are increasingly shaped by real-time information flow, technological superiority, and rapid decision-making. According to him, the operation underscored that nuclear rhetoric cannot be used as a shield for terrorist activity, reinforcing India’s stated policy of proportionate but firm retaliation.

The Army Chief also highlighted the role of indigenous defence systems during the operation, stating that Atmanirbhar Bharat-driven capabilities performed effectively across surveillance, communication, electronic warfare, and precision engagement systems. He said these systems are becoming central to India’s operational framework and enhancing overall battlefield effectiveness.

However, General Dwivedi cautioned that rapid technological evolution in warfare also presents emerging gaps that must be addressed. He pointed to areas such as long-range precision weaponry, drones, artificial intelligence-enabled decision systems, and advanced electronic warfare as sectors requiring continued focus. He emphasised the need for sustained innovation and preparedness to ensure India remains ahead in future conflict scenarios.

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