Vadodara: Highlighting a significant evolution in India’s military doctrine, former Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane stated on Saturday that ‘Operation Sindoor’ represented a paradigm shift in how India responds to cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Speaking to the media after attending a private event focused on boosting the startup ecosystem in Vadodara, the 28th Army Chief explained that the operation expanded India’s retaliatory scope well beyond the Line of Control (LoC).
Reflecting on the operation launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, Gen. Naravane explained that previous military responses, such as the surgical strikes post-Uri and the Balakot airstrikes post-Pulwama, were primarily focused on destroying terror launchpads situated close to the border. However, Operation Sindoor adopted a broader strategic approach.
“This time, the target wasn’t just the terrorists near the LoC. The operation targeted their backers and the infrastructure supporting them deep inside Pakistan, in places like Muridke and Bahawalpur,” Gen. Naravane noted. “This was a crucial shift in our operational methodology. India has demonstrated that those backing terrorism, regardless of their location, cannot escape. As Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, we will enter their territory and eliminate them; there will be no safe haven.”
When asked about Pakistan’s military capability relative to India, the former Army Chief was unequivocal, stating, “Pakistan is nowhere close to competing with India.” He urged citizens not to panic, assuring them that appropriate action will always be taken at the right time.
Addressing the broader geopolitical landscape, Gen. Naravane also weighed in on the ongoing border dispute with China. He suggested that the recent high-level dialogue between India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi should be viewed in the context of a prolonged, structural negotiation process. “This was the 25th round of Special Representative-level talks. It is not the first time such discussions are happening,” he observed, adding that occasional skirmishes along the border are primarily a result of the lack of proper demarcation.
Briefly touching upon domestic military reforms, Gen. Naravane stated that the concept of ‘Theatre Commands’ for the Indian Armed Forces is not a novel idea, noting that discussions surrounding theaterisation first began nearly 25 years ago in the aftermath of the Kargil War.