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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday told top Army commanders that Operation Sindoor reflected India’s new strategic thinking – a doctrine of “resolve and courage” that allows the nation to respond to terrorism on its own terms.
Speaking at the Army Commanders’ Conference in Jaisalmer, Singh said the operation — launched in May in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack — had “given rise to a new strategic thinking that India responds to any terrorist activity on its own terms.” He described it as “New India’s Defence Doctrine,” combining “policy precision with human dignity.”
The conference, attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, and senior officers, reviewed India’s operational preparedness and the regional security situation along the borders with China and Pakistan.
Operation Sindoor and Strategic Clarity
Calling the operation a symbol of national courage, Singh said, “Operation Sindoor will go down in history not just as a military operation, but as a reflection of the nation’s ethical discipline and strategic clarity. The operation isn’t over — our mission for peace will continue as long as even a single terrorist mindset remains alive.”
The minister said the Army’s action after the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians, demonstrated India’s military prowess and restraint. The cross-border operation had targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and ended after four days of hostilities on May 10.
Focus on Modernisation and Grey-Zone Warfare
The conference also discussed grey-zone warfare, jointness, self-reliance, and innovation. Singh urged commanders to strengthen information warfare capabilities and continue modernising infrastructure and technology. “Never underestimate adversaries,” he cautioned, stressing that the military must stay ahead in cyber, space, and information domains.
Border Situation and Defence Diplomacy
On the China border, Singh said the ongoing dialogue and de-escalation reflected India’s “balanced and firm foreign policy.” He reaffirmed that India’s readiness would remain intact. Referring to Pakistan, he said deterrence and preparedness must go hand in hand with strategic restraint.
J&K and Army’s Role Post Article 370
Singh praised the Army’s role in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. “Today, the streets are filled with hope, not unrest. The decision-making system is now in the hands of local people, and the Army has played a crucial role in this transformation,” he said.
Exercise Thar Shakti
Calling the Indian military “one of the most adaptable forces in the world,” Singh said its strength lay not only in weapons but also in the human spirit. “While contemporary warfare is technology-driven, it’s the soldier’s willpower that delivers victory,” he noted.
During his visit to the Tanot and Laungewala forward areas, Singh laid a wreath at the Laungewala War Memorial, inaugurated Chandpuri Hall in honour of Brig Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, and felicitated veterans of the 1971 battle. He also witnessed a capability demonstration showcasing new organisational units — the Bhairav Battalion and Ashni Platoon — symbolising the Army’s blend of legacy and innovation.
The exercise demonstrated the cohesive use of next-generation weapons, advanced technologies, and network-enabled systems, all indicating a high level of operational readiness and joint capabilities. Exercise Thar Shakti symbolised the seamless integration of experience and innovation, emphasising the Army’s strong commitment to Capability Development and Force Modernisation in alignment with the vision of JAI: Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation.
Team BharatShakti
