'...want to be part of geography, history or not': Army Chief warns Pakistan
New Delhi, May 16
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday issued a stern warning to Pakistan, saying that if the neighbouring country keeps harbouring terrorists, then it will have to decide whether it wants to be a part of geography, history or not.
COAS Dwivedi's response came during an interaction at Sena Samvad 2026, a premier military-citizen dialogue seminar.
The Army Chief was asked if Pakistan gives a chance again for continuation of Operation Sindoor, will we hit them hard or harder and whether he wanted to divulge anything about Operation Sindoor which is not known to anyone so far.
Responding to the question, General Dwivedi said: "That's in the domain of classified information, but I think if you have heard me earlier, what I have said is that if Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists and operate against India, then they have to decide whether they want to be a part of geography, history or not."
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, who served as Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) during Operation Sindoor, had said on the first anniversary of the military operation that Pakistan had been "compelled to negotiate" with India and "requested to stop" strikes against the country during the operation last year.
He had described the military operation as possibly a "defining moment" in India's strategic journey.
Moreover, Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, who served as the Director General of Air Operations during last year's military operation against Pakistan, had mentioned at the same event that Indian forces had shot down 13 aircraft and 11 airfields of the rogue nation under the Operation Sindoor.
"When our desire for peace is mistaken for weakness, we have no choice but to act. And when we act, there is no room for leniency. It is decisive, lethal and translates into Operation Sindoor," he had said.
Meanwhile, at Sena Samvad 2026, Army Chief Dwivedi underlined the "work-life fusion" of the military.
He said: "When I joined Sainik School, I saw the uniform and fell in love with it for the discipline, leadership, and sense of purpose it brought. By the time I joined NDA, I was clear that work-life balance had turned into work-life fusion, and that's how it became a passion."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, someone calling a spade a spade. Pakistan has been playing double games for decades. Either they control terrorism or face consequences. The Army Chief's words are not just rhetoric - our forces proved it with Operation Sindoor. Kudos!
As an outsider looking in, this seems like a serious escalation in rhetoric. I hope both sides can find a way to de-escalate. War benefits no one, especially ordinary citizens.
The Air Marshal's statement about shooting down 13 aircraft and hitting 11 airfields is incredible. Our forces have clearly shown they mean business. Pakistan needs to learn the hard way that India is not weak!
While I fully support our army's stance, I hope we also focus on diplomatic solutions. War should always be the last resort. But yes, if pushed, our response must be decisive. Jai Hind 🇮🇳
This kind of rhetoric concerns me. The 'geography, history or not' comment sounds like an existential threat. I hope cooler heads prevail. Regional stability is important for all of South Asia.
The way General Dwivedi spoke about his journey - from Sainik School to NDA to Army Chief - is so inspiring. Work-life fusion indeed!
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