New Delhi — India’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, on Monday highlighted key lessons learnt from Operation Sindoor, the recent military action against Pakistan-based terrorist elements, and delivered a pointed message to India’s western neighbor. Speaking at the ‘Chanakya Defence Dialogues’ in New Delhi, he underscored that while the operation lasted just 88 hours, it served as a “trailer” for what India is capable of in future contingencies.

Operation Sindoor: A Reality Check for Pakistan

General Dwivedi remarked, “Operation Sindoor was just a trailer which ended in 88 hours. We are prepared for any circumstances in future. If Pakistan gives a chance, we will teach it how to behave responsibly with a neighbouring nation.” His remarks underline India’s stance that state-sponsored terrorism will be met with decisive action, emphasizing a “new normal” in India’s defense approach.

Dwivedi elaborated on three critical lessons from the operation: integration between forces, ensuring proper supplies for extended operations, and decentralized decision-making across all command levels. He emphasized that modern warfare is multi-domain, and no single branch — army, air force, or navy — can operate in isolation.

“Just the army cannot fight a battle, everyone has to fight together,” he said, stressing the importance of joint operations. “We also cannot say how long a battle will last. This time it was 88 hours; next time it could be four months or even four years. Looking at that, do we have enough supplies and weapons to fight that? If not, we need to prepare accordingly.”

Setting a ‘New Normal’ in Counter-Terrorism

The COAS linked Operation Sindoor to India’s broader security doctrine post-April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, stating that India has now established a “new normal” in dealing with cross-border terrorism. He said, “When a country encourages state-sponsored terrorism, it becomes a matter of concern for India. India talks about progress. If someone creates obstacles in our course, then we will have to take action against them.”

Dwivedi stressed that India is open to peaceful processes, but underlined a zero-tolerance approach toward terrorists and their sponsors. “All we are asking is to adopt a peaceful process, which we will cooperate with. Until then, we will treat terrorists and their sponsors alike.”

Lessons in Decision-Making and Preparedness

A notable takeaway from Operation Sindoor, according to General Dwivedi, was the importance of quick and effective decision-making at every level of command. He explained that the operation reinforced the need for readiness not only in personnel but also in logistics, supplies, and weaponry.

“In every operation, we learn,” Dwivedi said. “This time we realized that the decision-making window is often very short. We need to ensure that decisions are taken promptly at all levels to be effective on the ground.”

Jammu and Kashmir Security Situation

The COAS also commented on the evolving security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that terrorist incidents in the region have declined following the abrogation of Article 370, which had granted special status to the state. He highlighted that the political clarity post-bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories — Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh — has contributed to improved law and order.

“After this, political clarity has come. We are seeing a reduction in terror incidents,” he said.

A Clear Warning to Pakistan

While Dwivedi’s tone emphasized preparedness and lessons learnt, his statements carried a direct warning to Pakistan. By calling Operation Sindoor an “88-hour trailer,” he implied that India’s response capabilities are not limited in duration or scale, and future actions could be significantly more extensive if provoked.

“The trailer has ended, but the feature may be much longer next time,” a senior defense analyst noted, interpreting the COAS’s remarks as a signal of India’s strengthened operational readiness and deterrence posture.

Integration and Multi-Domain Strategy

Dwivedi repeatedly stressed the significance of integrated operations among the army, navy, and air force, reflecting India’s evolving approach to modern warfare where cross-domain coordination is crucial. He noted that ensuring adequate stockpiles and logistical readiness is as critical as operational planning.

“This operation has reinforced the importance of coordination, preparation, and adaptability,” the COAS said. “India’s armed forces are prepared for all eventualities, and we will respond decisively when required.”

Conclusion

Operation Sindoor, though brief, has provided India with valuable lessons in combat readiness, joint force integration, and rapid decision-making. General Dwivedi’s address also serves as a strong deterrent message to Pakistan, signaling that India will act decisively against state-sponsored terrorism while remaining open to peaceful engagement. The “new normal” emphasizes preparedness, resilience, and strategic clarity, ensuring that India’s response capabilities remain robust for future contingencies.