In a hard-hitting address at the Indian Army’s annual press conference, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi delivered an unambiguous warning to Pakistan, asserting that India was fully prepared to launch a ground offensive during last year’s Operation Sindoor if Islamabad had chosen to escalate the conflict further.
Operation Sindoor and India’s Military Readiness
The Army Chief highlighted that the operation initiated on May 7, 2025, in response to the brutal Pahalgam terror attack showcased India’s military readiness and strategic depth. The operation involved precise and coordinated actions by all three services and aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC) and inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Preparedness Sends Strategic Signal
General Dwivedi revealed that the mobilisation during those tense hours significantly expanded India’s conventional operational space and that troops were ready to go beyond aerial and artillery strikes to ground action had Pakistan committed a misadventure. This preparedness sent a clear strategic signal and contributed to de-escalation when Islamabad sought a ceasefire understanding on May 10 last year.
Eight Terror Camps Still Active Across the Border
Despite the tangible successes and the near cessation of militant recruitment within Jammu & Kashmir reported for 2025, the Army Chief made it clear that the threat has not disappeared. Intelligence assessments indicate that eight terrorist camps remain active on the Pakistani side with six located along the LoC and two near the International Border (IB). These camps are believed to still host training and operational activity, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance.
India’s Counter-Terror Posture Remains Active
With this backdrop, General Dwivedi reaffirmed that Operation Sindoor remains in effect as a dynamic posture rather than a concluded campaign. The Army continues to monitor developments closely and retains the capability to respond decisively to any future cross-border provocations or attempts to reignite violence.
Strategic Message from the Army
His comments reflect India’s broader defence doctrine: strong deterrence, persistent readiness, and decisive retaliation against terrorism, while avoiding unwanted escalation. As geopolitical tensions persist in the region, these remarks are likely to shape strategic discourse and policy direction in the months ahead.
