Army Chief Warns Pakistan, Says Operation Sindoor Was ‘Just a Trailer’; Notes Major Thaw on LAC With China

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday issued a sharp warning to Pakistan, declaring that India is prepared to respond decisively to any provocation and will not tolerate state-sponsored terrorism. He also highlighted major improvements in India–China relations since late 2024, crediting sustained political and military dialogue for the renewed stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Speaking at the curtain raiser of the Chanakya Defence Dialogues in New Delhi, Gen. Dwivedi said Operation Sindoor, the recent military action against Pakistan-based terrorists, had delivered a “reality check” to India’s western neighbour.

“Operation Sindoor was just a trailer, which ended in just 88 hours. If Pakistan gives us a chance, we will teach it how to behave responsibly with a neighbouring nation,” he said.

Prepared for Long, Multi-Domain Conflict

The Army Chief stressed that modern warfare is fundamentally multi-domain and could be prolonged.

“Battles today are multi-domain. We cannot say how long they will last. We must ensure we have supplies to fight long,” he said.

Gen. Dwivedi identified three key lessons from Operation Sindoor: quicker decision-making at all levels, seamless integration among the Army, Air Force and Navy, and stockpiling for extended operations.

He noted that while the last operation lasted 88 hours, future conflicts could stretch “four months or even four years”, making logistics and preparedness critical.

‘Talks and Terror Can’t Go Together’

Calling out Pakistan’s support for terrorism, he said India will continue to retaliate firmly.

“If a country encourages state-sponsored terrorism, it becomes a matter of concern. India talks about progress – if someone creates obstacles, we will act.”

“Talks and terror can’t go together… until then, we will treat terrorists and their sponsors alike,” he added.

In an oblique reference to Pakistan’s nuclear sabre-rattling, he remarked:

“India is not scared of any blackmail.”

‘Remarkable Shift’ in India–China Ties Since October 2024

Turning to the northern borders, Gen. Dwivedi stated that India–China relations have witnessed a “remarkable improvement” since October 2024, driven by political directives from both capitals and steady diplomatic and military engagement.

He highlighted:

• 1,100 ground-level interactions over the past year – almost three per day
• Better communication, transparency on construction activities, and multiple disengagements
• Active role of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC)
• A clear political mandate on both sides to resolve issues through dialogue

“There has been a lot of improvement in our relations since last October, following dialogue between leaders of the two nations to bring normalcy. Ground-level cooperation is resolving border issues,” he said.

“Both sides are flexible, share information, and are working to find as many solutions as possible through talks.”

Even as diplomacy stabilises the LAC, he said the Army continues to maintain a “vigilant, modern and future-ready posture” along the northern borders.

Ravi Shankar