Indian Air Force Chief Advocates India’s Model for Swift Conflict Resolution
As global discussions continue over how to resolve prolonged conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has highlighted India's decisive approach as a model for conflict resolution.
Air Chief Marshal Singh referenced Operation Sindoor, India's military response to Pakistan in May, noting that the mission concluded in just four days after meeting its goals.
"The main wars that are going on today, be it Russia-Ukraine or the Israel conflict, have dragged on for years because no one is thinking about conflict termination. The world has to learn from India about how to start and terminate a conflict at the earliest possible opportunity," Air Chief Marshal Singh stated during an event in Delhi.
Operation Sindoor: Objectives Achieved Swiftly
India initiated precision strikes on May 7 targeting terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the death of 25 civilians.
The strikes, executed using drones, missiles, and fighter jets, successfully destroyed nine terror launchpads, eliminated over 100 terrorists, and targeted military sites within Pakistan.
While Pakistan launched retaliatory drone and missile attacks, India's air defense systems intercepted most of these threats, limiting damage on Indian territory.
India announced a ceasefire on May 10, following a stern warning to Pakistan about future provocations.
‘Why Continue When Mission Is Complete?’
Air Chief Marshal Singh also responded to opposition criticism regarding the government's decision to cease hostilities.
"We heard people say we should have continued longer. Yes, Pakistan was on the back foot, but what was our objective? Anti-terrorism. We struck them and achieved that. So why should we not terminate the conflict? Every war comes at a heavy cost," he explained.
He cautioned that extending the conflict could have negatively affected India's economy, long-term readiness, and capability to handle future threats.
Contrast With Global Conflicts
Air Chief Marshal Singh's comments were made as the Russia-Ukraine war continued into its fourth year without a resolution, despite mediation efforts by the U.S. led by President Trump.
Similarly, the Israel-Hamas conflict, which began in October 2023, persists with significant loss of life and no peace in sight.
In contrast, India’s calculated and objective-driven approach during Operation Sindoor demonstrated a strategy of swift and precise conflict management, Singh argued.
‘Operation Sindoor Is Still On’
Although active military operations ceased on May 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi later clarified that Operation Sindoor remains active as a counter-terrorism strategy, emphasizing that India will respond with increased force to any future provocations.
