Op Sindoor best example of tri-services synergy under clear-cut political directive, full freedom: Army chief
New Delhi, Jan 13
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reiterated that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, and a future misadventure will be resolutely responded to, while adding that the military action was "the best example of tri-services synergy under clear-cut political directive and full freedom to act or respond".
He also acknowledged the "proactive role" of all stakeholders involved in Operation Sindoor.
Addressing the annual press conference of the Indian Army here, Gen Dwivedi mentioned that the situation along the Northern Front "remains stable, but needs constant vigil", adding that apex-level interactions, renewed contact, and confidence-building measures are contributing to the "gradual normalisation" of the situation that has also enabled grazing, hydrotherapy camps, and other activities along the Northern Borders.
"With our continued strategic orientation on this front, our deployment along the Line of Actual Control remains balanced and robust. Concurrently, capability development and infrastructure enhancement are progressing through a whole-of-government approach," he added.
Gen Dwivedi, speaking about the northwestern front, recalled India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, saying that a "clear decision to respond decisively was taken at the highest level".
"Operation Sindoor was conceptualised and executed with precision. Through 22 minutes of initiation on May 7 and an orchestration that lasted 88 hours up to May 10, the operation reset strategic assumptions by striking deep, dismantling terror infrastructure, and puncturing the longstanding nuclear rhetoric," he said
"The Army successfully destroyed seven out of the nine targets and thereafter played a pivotal role in ensuring a calibrated response to Pakistan's actions," he added.
Gen Dwivedi stated that since May 10, the situation along the northwestern front and J&K "remains sensitive but firmly under control".
"In 2025, 31 terrorists were eliminated, of which 65 per cent were Pakistan origin, including the three perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack neutralised in Operation Mahadev. Active local terrorists are now in single digits. Terrorist recruitment is almost non-existent, with only two in 2025," he said.
Mentioning the "clear indicators of positive change in J&K", the Army chief cited examples of robust development activity, the revival of tourism and the peaceful Shri Amarnath Yatra, which saw more than four lakh pilgrims, exceeding the five-year average.
"The theme of terrorism to tourism is gradually taking shape," he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The shift from 'terrorism to tourism' in J&K is the most heartening part. Seeing over 4 lakh pilgrims for Amarnath Yatra is a testament to the improved situation. Our soldiers' sacrifices are bearing fruit for the common people.
While the military success is commendable, we must ensure this doesn't lead to complacency. Constant vigil is needed on both fronts. Also, hope the 'whole-of-government approach' for infrastructure translates to faster development for border villages.
The precision and speed of the operation are impressive - 22 minutes to initiate, 88 hours to execute. It shows world-class planning and capability. The reduction in local terrorist recruitment to just two is a significant achievement.
"Clear-cut political directive and full freedom to act" - this is crucial. Our forces are the best, but they need unambiguous backing from the political leadership to do their job effectively. This combination is unbeatable.
The mention of grazing and hydrotherapy camps resuming along the Northern Borders is a good sign of normalisation. Our farmers and herders in Ladakh and Arunachal need this stability. Salute to our jawans standing guard in those harsh conditions.
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