Army Chief hails ‘Operation Sindoor’ as decisive victory

Srinagar, Jul 26: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi delivered a powerful message at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, commemorating the valour of soldiers and highlighting the nation’s evolving military doctrine in the face of persistent threats.

Speaking to a gathering of soldiers, veterans, and civilians, General Dwivedi hailed the recent ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a “decisive victory” and a stern message to Pakistan and its terror proxies.

He described the operation, conducted in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, as a fitting surgical response, demonstrating India’s zero-tolerance stance towards terrorism.

“Operation Sindoor was a message to Pakistan as well as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which was a deep wound for the entire nation,” the Army Chief said. “This time, India did not just mourn, it responded with precision and strength.”

He said that the Indian Army had received unwavering support from both the government and the people of India, which enabled a bold and strategic military response.

“The free hand given by the government and the faith of the nation empowered our forces. Any power that dares challenge India’s unity, integrity, or sovereignty will receive a befitting reply. This is the new normal for India,” General Dwivedi said.

He said that Indian forces had effectively targeted terror infrastructure across the border, thwarting aggressive manoeuvres by Pakistan.

The Army Chief praised the resilience of the Army’s air defence units, saying that they stood “like an impregnable wall” against attempted missile and drone intrusions by Pakistan on May 8 and 9.

“The Army’s air defence neutralised every threat and ensured no breach of our airspace. We protected our territory and assets with unmatched precision,” he said.

In a major structural reform, General Dwivedi announced the formation of a new combat brigade named ‘Rudra’, designed to boost the Army’s operational synergy and firepower.

Approved just a day prior, the brigade will integrate infantry, mechanised infantry, armoured units, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems under one command to deliver comprehensive combat and logistics support.

“Rudra will be a formidable force with multifunctional capabilities, enabling rapid and decisive action in any theatre of war,” the Army Chief said.

He said that every infantry battalion now includes a dedicated drone platoon, while the artillery arm has been bolstered with the creation of the ‘Shaktiban Regiment’, a specialised unit equipped with drones, counter-drone systems, and loitering munitions.

“We are building layered, indigenous air defence systems. With these modern systems and increasing use of unmanned assets, our capability will increase manifold in the coming days,” General Dwivedi said.

Paying homage to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the icy heights of Kargil in 1999, he said that their sacrifice remains the bedrock of India’s national security.

“The nation is safe because of the selfless sacrifices of our heroes. We bow our heads in respect to those who gave their all so that we may live in peace and dignity,” General Dwivedi said.