Operation Sindoor was “just a trailer” says Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi

Lessons from Operation Sindoor point to faster decisions and deeper force integration

November 17, 2025

General Dwivedi outlines India’s new counter-terror strategy

General Upendra Dwivedi outlines key lessons from Operation Sindoor at defence dialogue

India’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday outlined the key lessons drawn from Operation Sindoor and said the operation offered Pakistan a “reality check” on India’s operational preparedness. He was speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogues held in New Delhi.

General Dwivedi said that Operation Sindoor — a counter-terror operation targeting Pakistan-based militants — concluded in 88 hours but served as a demonstration of India’s capability to respond swiftly to emerging threats. “Operation Sindoor was just a trailer. We are prepared for any circumstances in the future,” he said.

Focus on decision-making, integration, and logistics

The Army Chief highlighted three major lessons from the operation: rapid decision-making at every command level, enhanced integration among the armed forces, and ensuring adequate logistical reserves for both short and prolonged operations.

“We have very little time to take decisions in modern operations. Decisions must be taken at every level without delay,” he said. Emphasising jointness, he added that today’s multi-domain battles require seamless coordination among the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

General Dwivedi also noted the unpredictability of conflict duration, stating that future operations could last weeks, months, or even years. “We must assess whether we have enough supplies and weapons to sustain long battles. If not, we need to prepare accordingly,” he said.

India’s ‘new normal’ against state-sponsored terrorism

Referring to India’s response after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, General Dwivedi said the country has established a “new normal” in dealing with state-backed terrorism.

“When a country encourages state-sponsored terrorism, it becomes a concern for India. Talks and terror cannot go together,” he said.

He added that India seeks a peaceful resolution process but will continue to respond firmly to terrorist threats and their sponsors.

Decline in terror incidents post Article 370 abrogation

Speaking about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, General Dwivedi said terrorist incidents have declined since the abrogation of Article 370. “After this, political clarity has come,” he noted.

Article 370 earlier granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, which was reorganised into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh — in 2019.

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