Army Chief Details 'Operation Sindoor' Strikes, Declares a 'New Normal'
Speaking on Kargil Vijay Diwas, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the 'Operation Sindoor' surgical strikes sent a clear message to Pakistan that terrorism supporters will face a decisive response. He described this stern approach as India's 'new normal.' The operation reportedly eliminated nine high-value terrorist targets with zero collateral damage. Gen. Dwivedi also announced major modernization efforts, including new integrated brigades, specialized commando units, and the incorporation of drones into every infantry and artillery unit.
Unpacked:
Operation Sindoor was launched in April 2025 as a direct response to a brutal terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam, India. The intent was to retaliate against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting sites linked to groups responsible for attacks like the IC-814 hijacking and the Pulwama blast.
Unlike previous actions such as the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, Operation Sindoor involved deeper strikes into Pakistan’s mainland, targeting critical terrorist infrastructure and command centers. This marked a shift from symbolic retaliation to a strategy aiming to dismantle the operational chain of terrorist groups.
Pakistan responded with drone and missile attacks targeting multiple Indian cities and military bases on May 7–8, 2025. However, most of these were intercepted by India’s integrated air defense and counter-drone systems, limiting their impact. Pakistan also claimed civilian casualties and damage from the Indian strikes, though these claims remain disputed.
General Dwivedi announced the creation of new integrated brigades, specialized commando units, and the incorporation of drones into all infantry and artillery units. These efforts are part of broader military modernization to enhance rapid response, precision targeting, and network-centric warfare capabilities.