Army Chief Highlights Extended Timeline of Operation Sindoor Beyond May 10
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi introduced a book titled Operation Sindoor on Friday, emphasizing that the military operation extended beyond the commonly acknowledged conclusion date of May 10, with significant decisions and actions continuing afterward.
In a ceremony at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, General Dwivedi unveiled Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India’s Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan, penned by Lt Gen KJS Dhillon (Retd). He highlighted that the book offers insights into the political decisiveness, the armed forces' autonomy, and the broader politico-military goals that underpinned India’s strategic strikes.
General Dwivedi remarked, "You may be thinking that on May 10, the war finished; no, because it continued for a long time, because so many decisions were to be taken, and beyond that, of course, it will be difficult for me to share here."
Operation Sindoor commenced in the early hours of May 7, following a severe terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Indian military forces targeted numerous terror installations inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in a deliberate and restrained operation that India later described as "non-escalatory." Pakistani forces responded, leading to further Indian counteractions, and the conflict formally eased on May 10 after reaching an understanding.
The Army Chief described the book as extending beyond a mere military account, portraying it as a tribute to the "courage, professionalism and unyielding spirit" of the Indian Army. He expressed gratitude to Lt Gen Dhillon for recording what he called "an untold story" of the battles along the Line of Control and the broader operation.
General Dwivedi also addressed reports of Pakistani soldiers receiving posthumous honors following the strikes, attributing much of the acknowledgment to the intensity of India’s operations along the Line of Control. He recounted an intercepted message stating, "Bahut hua, file chhoro, jaldi se Muzaffarabad bhago", underscoring the magnitude of Indian firepower.
Discussing the intricacies of the campaign, the Army Chief noted that the book effectively transitions from "supra-strategic to the tactical," addressing topics such as force visualization, protection, and application. He highlighted the significance of centralized planning with decentralized execution and the coordinated effort of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in a synchronized manner throughout the 88 hours of intense operations.
Gen Dwivedi stated that Operation Sindoor has now emerged as a decisive representation of India’s "new normal" against terrorism, including cross-border acts. "India announced its resolve with outstanding clarity in strategic guidance, with a whole-of-nation approach," he affirmed.
The Army Chief also mentioned that the operation provides valuable insights into managing narratives and media conduct, considering the role of information in influencing public perception during conflicts.
