Op Sindoor just ‘88-hour trailer’, Army Chief warns Pak against misadventure

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday said India gave a befitting reply to Pakistan through “Operation Sindoor”.

Speaking at a curtain raiser for the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 (CDD-2025) to be hosted by the Army in collaboration with Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) from November 27-28, he said “Operation Sindoor” was “just an 88-hour “trailer”. The theme of the CDD is “Reform to Transform: Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat”.

“We are prepared for any circumstances in future. If Pakistan gives a chance, we will teach it how to behave responsibly with a neighbouring nation,” he added.

The General reiterated the national resolve against terrorism, emphasising that “blood and water cannot flow together” and that accountability was essential for those supporting terror activities.

“Our deterrence is very strong and it’s working,” he said. India, he said was committed to progress and development, but would not hesitate to act against those who attempt to derail its path. “India focuses on progress and prosperity. If someone creates obstacles in our course, then we will have to take some action against them,” said the Army Chief.

Speaking about the situation along the LAC, India-China relations and diplomacy in handling the crisis, General Dwivedi said, “There has been a lot of improvement in our relations since last October, following a dialogue between leaders of the two nations to bring normalcy.”

He was referring to the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October.

“Troops of both sides have had almost 1,100 interactions in the past one year. There have been meetings between battalion commanders and brigade commanders. We are attempting to resolve several issues at the ground level, while major decisions will be taken at the higher level of military leadership,” he said.

“Some flexibility is coming and both sides are trying to find solutions,” said the Army Chief.

“When the issue of boundary limitation comes, these ground level discussions will be very helpful,” said General Dwivedi. He cited how an “expert group” and “working group” have been formed under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India – China Border Affairs.

He recalled the Ministry of Defence’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Reforms” and underlined that security and development must advance together.