Rewa, Madhya Pradesh: In a wide-ranging address at TRS College in Rewa on Saturday, Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, touched upon the evolving security landscape facing India, highlighting uncertainties and challenges that come with rapid changes in global and regional affairs. During his speech, the Army chief made a notable reference to former US President Donald Trump, remarking on the unpredictability of decision-making at the highest levels.

“What is Trump doing today? I think even Trump doesn’t know what he is going to do tomorrow,” General Dwivedi said, emphasizing the speed at which modern security challenges emerge. He drew a parallel between global unpredictability and the fast-moving threats confronting the Indian military. “Challenges are coming so quickly that by the time you try to grasp an old challenge, a new one emerges,” he added.

The Army Chief stressed that the nature of security threats is evolving across multiple domains—land, sea, air, cyberspace, and even from natural disasters. “The security challenges our military faces are multifaceted. Whether it’s on the border, terrorism, natural disasters, or cyber warfare, the armed forces have to be prepared on all fronts,” he noted.

Operation Sindoor Highlighted

Dwivedi elaborated on Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army’s retaliatory operation conducted on May 7, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed. According to the Army chief, the operation specifically targeted terrorists and their infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and successfully neutralized over 100 terrorists without causing harm to civilians.

“Operation Sindoor was successful because we fought with the combined strength of our principles and technology. We made it a point that no innocent civilians in Pakistan suffered. We only targeted terrorists and their bosses,” he stated.

He also highlighted the role of misinformation and fake news during the operation. “The way rumours are spread. As you heard during Operation Sindoor, news circulated that Karachi had been attacked. So much of such news came, which seemed credible even to us. Where did it come from, who did it?” he asked, illustrating the challenge of managing information in a fast-moving conflict scenario.

Regional Tensions and International Perceptions

Operation Sindoor led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with initial strikes reportedly targeting Indian Army bases by Islamabad. The confrontation concluded with a cessation of hostilities on May 10, a development that former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for in public statements.

General Dwivedi’s reference to Trump came in the context of highlighting unpredictability in international affairs. While Trump has often boasted that he played a key role in preventing escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, New Delhi has consistently maintained that the truce was the result of bilateral negotiations and military strategy, not external intervention.

Strategic Insights and Preparedness

Throughout his speech, General Dwivedi emphasized the need for the Indian military to remain agile and ready to respond to emerging threats. “In the scope of all these challenges, you have to work on land, sky, water and all three domains simultaneously,” he explained. His remarks underscored the complexity of modern military operations, where traditional defense measures are complemented by advanced technology, intelligence gathering, and rapid response capabilities.

The Army Chief also reflected on the broader geopolitical environment, noting that unpredictability is a constant factor, not only from neighboring adversaries but also from global players with vested interests. This includes evolving trade, diplomatic, and defense relationships, as highlighted by ongoing India-US trade negotiations, months after the US imposed 50% tariffs on certain Indian goods.

Emphasis on Principle-Driven Operations

General Dwivedi emphasized that military operations must adhere to ethical standards and international norms. In recounting Operation Sindoor, he noted that India’s forces maintained a strict operational code, ensuring that civilian casualties were avoided even while achieving the mission objectives.

“Principles matter, and technology must be paired with ethics. This is how we safeguard the nation and preserve its credibility on the global stage,” he said.

Preparing for an Uncertain Future

The overarching theme of the Army Chief’s address was the necessity of preparation and foresight in an unpredictable world. By referencing even globally recognized leaders like Donald Trump, General Dwivedi illustrated the idea that uncertainty is universal, and planning for contingencies is essential in military strategy.

He concluded by reiterating that the Indian Army’s commitment is to protect the nation while remaining vigilant against threats that can arise unexpectedly. The speech was not only a reflection on past operations but also a forward-looking assessment of India’s strategic needs in a rapidly changing global environment.