Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the former Director General of Military Operations during Operation Sindoor, revealed that Pakistan had been forced to negotiate and requested India to halt strikes against them during the operation last year. Ghai, speaking at a press conference marking one year since Operation Sindoor, hailed the military action as a potential turning point in India’s strategic journey. The government provided the military with clear objectives and the necessary operational capabilities to achieve them.
Ghai emphasized that the operation’s success lay in the precise objectives of dismantling terror networks, disrupting their plans, and deterring future aggression, all while granting the armed forces the autonomy and resources to plan and execute independently. He praised the balance between top-level direction, professional autonomy, and operational flexibility as the key to Operation Sindoor’s success. The operation has been recognized globally as a gold standard both militarily and strategically.
Highlighting the joint efforts of the Tri-services, Ghai mentioned nine precision strikes, seven by the Army and two by the Air Force, which were executed with perfect timing to maximize damage in key terror hubs in Pakistan. He credited India’s air defense architecture for thwarting Pakistan’s responses effectively, and highlighted the significant use of indigenous weapon systems and technologies during the operation.
Ghai underlined the importance of indigenous capabilities in the operation, pointing out that a large portion of the weapon systems, ammunitions, and other equipment used were developed and manufactured in India. He stressed that this indigenous production not only showcased self-reliance but also provided the flexibility to customize equipment to meet operational needs. Operation Sindoor demonstrated that self-reliance in defense manufacturing is a significant force multiplier for India.
Detailing the exit strategy, Ghai explained that India chose to cease hostilities when Pakistan was compelled to negotiate and requested a halt to the strikes. He emphasized that the operation achieved its objectives without dragging India into a prolonged conflict. Ghai commended the coordinated efforts of all branches of the Indian state, including intelligence agencies, cyber warfare units, and the armed forces, for their role in the operation’s success.
