VADODARA: Operation Sindoor marked a “very significant shift” in India’s approach towards Pakistan as Indian strikes targeted not only terrorist hideouts near the border but also those supporting them deep inside the neighbouring country, former Army chief General M M Naravane said on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters after attending a private event in Vadodara to promote the start-up ecosystem, Gen Naravane said the operation, carried out following the Pahalgam terror attack, demonstrated that those providing support to terrorists could not escape Indian action irrespective of their location.
“Operation Sindoor, which took place after the Pahalgam attack, was a very necessary action,” said Naravane, who served as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff.
Referring to India’s military responses following the Uri and Pulwama terror attacks, the former Army chief said earlier action had largely focused on terrorist hideouts located close to the border.
“Previously, whenever such attacks occurred — like after Uri, and Balakot strikes after Pulwama — we were mostly targeting terrorist hideouts close to the border,” he said.
Naravane said Operation Sindoor went further by targeting those allegedly providing support and backing to terrorist groups, including at locations deeper inside Pakistan.
“But this time, the strikes carried out targeted their supporters and those who provide them backing, wherever they may be — not just near the Line of Control, but deep inside Pakistan, in Muridke and Bahawalpur, from where they receive this support,” he said.
He added that the operation conveyed the message that those supporting terrorism “anywhere cannot escape”.
Referring to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s earlier remarks, Naravane said the change reflected a significant shift in India’s “modus operandi”.
Forces Keeping Watch on Sir Creek
Asked about reports of increased Pakistani activity in the Sir Creek sector and references to “Operation Ababil”, Naravane said such activities take place from time to time but added that he did not have complete information about the reported operation since he was now retired.
He, however, maintained that the Indian armed forces remained vigilant.
“Whatever activity takes place, our forces always keep a close watch on it. There is nothing to panic about, and whatever action needs to be taken, appropriate action will be taken at the right time,” he said.
Asked whether Pakistan was capable of taking on India, the former Army chief replied: “In my opinion, no.”
India-China Boundary Issue Remains Key
On India-China relations, Naravane said the recent talks between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi should be viewed in the context of the long-standing boundary dispute between the two countries.
He pointed out that the meeting was the 25th round of Special Representative-level talks and was part of an established dialogue mechanism.
Naravane said the fundamental issue remained the absence of a clearly demarcated boundary between India and China, both on maps and on the ground.
“It is because of this lack of demarcation that occasional disputes arise between India and China,” he said.
Calls for Faster Theatreisation
On the proposed theatre commands, Naravane said the discussion on theatreisation of the armed forces began after the Kargil War and had been evolving for more than two decades.
“Theaterisation is not a new concept; it is a continuous process and an evolution,” he said.
He said there was broad agreement on the need to establish theatre commands in India, particularly as the nature of modern warfare changes and decision-making cycles become shorter.
“Considering the way the nature of modern warfare is transforming and decision cycles are becoming progressively shorter, it is essential that we move toward theaterisation as expeditiously as possible,” the former Army chief said.
