Srinagar, July 26 (UNI) On the Kargil Vijay Diwas anniversary, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said that Operation Sindoor was not just a military action, but a reflection of India’s firm resolve, a clear message and a decisive response to Pakistan.
He warned that any attempt to destabilize India would be met with a forceful response.
Addressing the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations at Drass, Ladakh, the Army Chief said that Operation Sindoor was a continuation of the tradition of Operation Vijay in 1999, which was fought in Kargil.
“In 1999, India achieved an unparalleled victory under Operation Vijay, driving out Pakistani soldiers and infiltrators from high-altitude posts, and hoisting the tricolour over the snowy peaks. At that time, we made it clear that no one would be allowed to harm the unity and integrity of India,” the Army Chief said.
“Continuing this tradition, even during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army, with the same courage and determination, targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and achieved a decisive victory by disrupting their offensive operations,” the Army Chief said.
General Dwivedi said that India gave peace a chance, but Pakistan responded with cowardice, referring to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He emphasized that India answered this act of terror with courage and decisive action.
“Operation Sindoor was our resolve, our message, and our answer to the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which left a deep wound on the entire nation,” he said. “India did not just mourn; but decided to respond decisively.”
Detailing the events of the strike, the Army Chief said,“On the night of May 6 and 7, the Indian Army attacked nine high-value terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied territory, without harming any innocent civilians. This was not just a response—it was a clear message that those who support terrorism will not be spared.”
Highlighting the preparedness and coordination of India’s forces, he said that the Pakistan Army’s response was given a sound, precise, and decisive reply.
“Our Army and air defence stood like a wall—unbreachable by drone or missile. All this was accomplished through a whole-of-nation approach, where ground forces, air forces, and various government, private departments, and NGOs stood together,” he said.
General Dwivedi reaffirmed that any force conspiring to harm India’s sovereignty, integrity, and people will continue to receive a befitting response in the future too.
“This is the new normal of India,” he said.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to peace with strength, Army Chief said, “We are peaceful, but not weak. We are determined, vigilant, and always prepared.”
On strengthening the Army for the future, General Dwivedi said that today’s Indian Army is not only confronting ongoing challenges but is also evolving into a transformative, modern, and future-ready force.
He announced the formation of a new integrated combat formation named ‘Rudra’ All-Arms Brigade, which he said has been sanctioned just a day before.
“This brigade will bring together infantry, mechanized infantry, armoured units, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems into a single cohesive strike force—supported by integrated logistics and combat support units,” the Army Chief said.
Further enhancing Army’s offensive capabilities, he also announced the formation of the ‘Bhairav Light Commando Battalion’, an elite Special Forces unit designed to deliver swift and lethal blows along the borders, always staying a step ahead of the adversary.
General Dwivedi also highlighted the widespread induction of drone warfare capabilities.
“Drones and counter-drone platoons are being embedded in every infantry battalion, while a new artillery regiment equipped with loitering munitions, drone swarms, and counter-drone systems is being raised,” he said. “Each artillery regiment will also have a Composite Battery specialized in drone warfare, significantly enhancing precision strike and surveillance capabilities.”
He added that the Army’s Air Defence is also being overhauled with the induction of indigenous missile systems, ensuring a robust and reliable shield.
