The First 22 Minutes Changed The Escalation Dynamic, Says Army Chief On Operation Sindoor

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said the 22-minute Operation Sindoor strike disrupted Pakistan’s decision-making and shifted the escalation dynamic.

Speaking at the Indian Army’s annual press conference on Tuesday, he identified the strike as a decisive turning point.

General Dwivedi said Indian forces executed the initial strike on terror targets with speed and accuracy.

The operation confused the other side. Pakistan struggled to process the impact. This delay led to disorganised responses.

Indian forces countered them with calibrated and proportionate action.

He identified a second turning point on the morning of May 10. At that stage, the tri-services received clear escalation directives.

Pakistan closely tracked Indian movements through satellite inputs. It observed ship deployments, air activity, strike formations, and troop positioning.

After assessing these signals, Pakistan contacted India’s Director General of Military Operations.

General Dwivedi said that moment marked Pakistan’s decision to halt further escalation.

Operation Sindoor Launched After Pahalgam Attack

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation targeted major terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Indian forces eliminated over 100 terrorists. Pakistan responded with drone and missile attacks. Indian air defence systems intercepted them successfully. India then destroyed multiple Pakistani airfields in retaliation.

Pakistan requested a halt to hostilities on May 10. India agreed after achieving its objectives.

General Dwivedi said the operation proved India’s preparedness, precision, and strategic intent. He stressed that the global rise in armed conflicts reinforces one lesson.

Prepared nations prevail. India’s response, he said, reflected this reality.

On the western front, he said the government took a firm decision at the highest level. The Army planned and executed Operation Sindoor with clarity.

The initial 22 minutes on May 7 set the tone. The operation continued for 88 hours until May 10. It struck deep, dismantled terror infrastructure, and challenged Pakistan’s nuclear posturing.

The Army destroyed seven of nine designated targets and maintained restraint during Pakistan’s counteractions.

General Dwivedi said Operation Sindoor remains active. He warned that any future provocation would meet a decisive response. He lauded the coordination among CAPFs, intelligence agencies, state authorities, and key ministries, calling it a model of tri-services synergy.

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