General Upendra Dwivedi, the Indian Army Chief, offered details on Operation Sindoor. He described a meeting held on April 23rd with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in the aftermath of the April 22nd Pahalgam attack. The Army Chief mentioned that the Defence Minister’s immediate response was a resolute declaration, signifying the need for action. He added that the Defence Minister granted complete autonomy to the army chiefs to decide on their response.
As a result, the Army Chief stated, Operation Sindoor was planned and executed, achieving its objectives. The operation resulted in the elimination of nine terrorist organizations based in Pakistan. The Army Chief emphasized how the name of the operation itself galvanized the entire nation.
Full Authority Given to the Armed Forces by Defence Minister
The Army Chief elaborated on the impact of the Pahalgam attack, stating that the incident deeply affected the entire nation. The subsequent meeting on April 23rd was a crucial moment, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signaled that decisive action was required. The three service chiefs were united in their determination to act. The Army Chief noted that the Defence Minister provided the army chiefs with the authority to determine the necessary steps. He remarked that this level of political direction and clarity was unprecedented. It boosted morale, enabling the commanders to operate effectively.
Meeting with the Prime Minister
The Army Chief also revealed that on April 25th, they toured the Northern Command, where Operation Sindoor was planned, and achieved its goals by destroying terrorist hideouts and neutralizing terrorists within Pakistan. The Army Chief mentioned that they first met with the Prime Minister on April 29th. He highlighted the significance of the name Operation Sindoor and how it resonated with the country, leading to questions about why the operation had concluded.
Air Force Chief Credits Political Will
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, the Air Force Chief, also acknowledged the crucial role of the central government’s political will in the success of Operation Sindoor. Speaking at an event at the HAL Management Academy in Bengaluru, he credited the clear political determination as the primary factor. He mentioned that they had received very clear instructions, without any external limitations. The operational boundaries were determined by them. The Air Chief Marshal added that they had complete freedom in the planning and execution of the operation.
The article further recounted the events of April 22nd, when terrorists from Pakistan attacked in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in 26 fatalities. The terrorists specifically targeted tourists. In response to the attacks, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor, destroying nine terrorist hideouts within Pakistan and issuing a warning against further attacks.