New Delhi: Operation Sindoor was “just a trailer” and the Indian Army is fully prepared to handle any situation that may arise in the future, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi said on Monday.
Insisting that it becomes a serious concern for India – which continues to focus on development and progress – when any country encourages state-sponsored terrorism, he said: “If Pakistan gives a chance, we will teach it how to behave responsibly with a neighbouring nation.”
“We cannot say how long a conflict will last. We have to ensure we have supplies to last long,” the Army chief said, highlighting the evolving nature of modern conflict and the fact that battles are multi-domain in today’s time.
Any obstruction created against India would invite a firm response, Gen Dwivedi said and reiterated that “talks and terror can’t go together” and India only asks for a peaceful process, which it is willing to support.
The general also underlined that India would deal with terrorists and their backers with equal resolve.
“We will treat terrorists and their sponsors alike. We will respond to those who encourage terrorists,” he said, reaffirming India’s confidence and strategic strength.
“India is not scared of any blackmail attempts,” he said alluding to Pakistan’s nuclear sabre-rattling.
On India-China border developments, Gen Dwivedi said that significant changes and improvements have taken place in the last one year. Leaders of both countries have held discussions and many positive steps have been taken since October 1 last year.
When the defence minister visited the region, he stressed the need to decide whether the ice should melt or not, the Army chief recalled. Both sides have acknowledged that increased dialogue along the border will be beneficial.
People in Jammu and Kashmir now want to travel across India and participate in opportunities nationwide, he said, adding that many who had moved out due to earlier circumstances are now willing to return and contribute responsibly.
“The other parts of the country also want to strengthen their connections with the region,” he added, highlighting the transformation in Kashmir since August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was revoked.
General Dwivedi also mentioned that terrorism in the region has drastically reduced. He said that 31 militants and terrorists have been neutralised, out of which 21 were Pakistani.
He added that despite the Pahalgam incident, the Amarnath Yatra witnessed a strong turnout.
“Positive changes are taking place in Jammu and Kashmir. Stone pelting incidents have stopped entirely in the region. The attraction towards India is growing and the fascination for Pakistan is fading,” Gen Dwivedi added.
The Chief of Army Staff also indicated that President Droupadi Murmu may consider visiting Manipur as the situation in the state is improving.
