An important turning point in India’s recent military history, Operation Sindoor served as a sobering reminder of potential dangers as well as a source of confidence in the country’s capabilities. At a recent FICCI event, Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance), gave a thorough analysis of the operation and its consequences for India’s defense readiness.
Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance), stated that although India did not suffer significant harm in Operation Sindoor, army senior brass cautioned: Be prepared for the triple danger the next time.
Highly accurate strikes on terrorist bases across the border were a defining feature of the operation. Indian intelligence found 21 possible targets by using both human and cutting-edge technology. Just hours before the operation started, the final selection was made, and nine were ultimately chosen for combat. This quick, data-driven targeting demonstrated how adaptable and successful India’s military strategy was.
Operation Sindoor’s tri-services strategy was one of its main characteristics. India’s combined military might was strategically demonstrated by the close collaboration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This collaboration was essential to quickly and effectively accomplishing military goals and proving India’s capacity to escalate when called for.
Incoming threats, such as drones and missiles aimed at military installations in northern and western India, were decisively neutralized by India’s air defense systems. The mission demonstrated the efficacy of both domestic and legacy systems, including the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), which offered real-time situational awareness and fast response capabilities, and the Akash surface-to-air missile.
Although India’s population centers were spared this time, future battles might not be as controlled, Lt Gen Singh warned sternly in spite of these victories. He underlined how critical it is to fortify India’s air defense system even further, especially in light of the growing threat posed by drones and precision-guided weapons. Important next stages include improved Army-Air Force coordination and the incorporation of artificial intelligence.
The intricacy of India’s security environment was made clear by Operation Sindoor. Although the direct enemy was Pakistan, the war revealed a larger alliance that included China and Turkey. According to Lt Gen Singh, China supplied Pakistan with real-time intelligence during the operation, including real-time updates on Indian military deployments, and 81% of Pakistan’s military equipment is of Chinese provenance. Pakistan was able to monitor Indian movements and modify its tactics as a result.
Beyond just providing gear, China also used the war as a “live lab” to test its strategies and weaponry against Indian systems. Turkey also contributed significantly, including operational support and cutting-edge drones like the Bayraktar, which further complicated the threat matrix.
India’s choice to cease military action after accomplishing its goals was a defining characteristic of Operation Sindoor. Although escalation was likely, Lt Gen Singh called this a “masterly stroke,” pointing out that prudence avoided a larger and possibly unmanageable confrontation. India’s attitude to future crises will be influenced by the operation’s demonstration of the significance of having clear strategic messaging and understanding when to stop.
To safeguard military and civilian targets from ever-more-sophisticated threats, India must expedite the upgrade and integration of its air defense systems.
The China-Pakistan-Turkey axis is a complex issue that calls for improved monitoring, intelligence, and defenses.
It will be crucial to keep making investments in domestic technology, AI, and smooth tri-services cooperation.
One of the characteristics of mature military leadership is the capacity to accomplish goals without unchecked escalation.
Although Operation Sindoor has raised the bar for India’s military reaction, it also serves as a warning that the next confrontation would be more difficult and harsh. To make sure India is prepared for the “triple threat” that can materialize in the future, the lessons learnt must spur immediate reforms and investments.
