The Indian Army has delivered a clear message to Pakistan. Speaking ahead of Army Day on January 15, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing and warned that any future misadventure will be met with resolute retaliation.
Addressing the annual press briefing on January 13, General Dwivedi outlined the execution, impact, and continuing significance of the operation launched after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Operation Sindoor: How the Mission Unfolded
According to the Army Chief, the operation was conceptualised and executed with precision following a decision taken at the highest level. It began with a 22-minute initiation phase on May 7, followed by an 88-hour orchestration that continued until May 10.
During this period, Indian forces successfully destroyed seven of nine identified terror targets, striking deep inside Pakistan, dismantling terror infrastructure and resetting strategic assumptions, including long-standing nuclear rhetoric.
“Through 22 minutes of initiation on 7th May and an orchestration that lasted 88 hours up to 10th May, the operation reset strategic assumptions by striking deep and dismantling terror infrastructure,” General Dwivedi said.
Clear Warning to Pakistan
Emphasising that the mission has not concluded, the Army Chief issued a direct caution.
“Operation Sindoor remains ongoing. Any future misadventure will be resolutely responded to,” he said.
He added that after the successful strikes, the Army played a pivotal role in ensuring a calibrated response to subsequent Pakistani actions.
National Coordination and Tri-Services Synergy
General Dwivedi described Operation Sindoor as a model of tri-services synergy, carried out under clear political directives and with full freedom to act.
He acknowledged the roles played by:
- Central Armed Police Forces
- Intelligence agencies
- Civic bodies and state administrations
- Ministries including MHA and Railways
The coordinated effort, he said, reflected strong national-level integration.
Jammu and Kashmir: Measurable Security Gains
The Army Chief highlighted a significant decline in terror activity in Jammu and Kashmir since May 10.
Key figures shared include:
- 31 terrorists eliminated in 2025
- 65% were of Pakistan origin
- Three Pahalgam attack perpetrators neutralised in Operation Mahadev
- Active local terrorists reduced to single digits
- Only two recruitments reported in 2025
He said the situation along the western front remains sensitive but firmly under control.
From Terrorism to Tourism
General Dwivedi pointed to visible signs of stability, including robust development activity, revival of tourism, and the Shree Amarnath Yatra, which saw over four lakh pilgrims, exceeding the five-year average.
“The theme of terrorism to tourism is gradually taking shape,” he said.
Improved Security in the Northeast
On the northeastern front, the Army Chief noted that decisive security actions and proactive government initiatives led to a marked improvement in the situation in Manipur during 2025.
Bottom Line
By stating that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, the Army Chief reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, signalling sustained vigilance and readiness to respond decisively to any future provocation.
