Operation Sindoor Was Not The End, It Was The Beginning: Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai

Jaipur: On the first anniversary of 'Operation Sindoor', Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai on Thursday said India will defend its sovereignty, security, and people decisively, professionally and with the utmost responsibility, and its fight against terror will go on.

Addressing a press conference in Rajasthan's Jaipur, on the first anniversary of "Operation Sindoor", Lt Ghai said, "It has been a year to the day since Operation Sindoor was conducted, and as the then DGMO, I look back at not only a military operation but possibly a defining moment in India's strategic journey."

He said Operation Sindoor saw India very consciously and coherently go beyond its erstwhile approaches and methods and target terror across the Line of Control (LoC) and its international boundary with Pakistan.

Recalling the operation, he said with precision, proportionality and a clarity of purpose, it was a statement of resolve, responsibility and strategic restraint by a nation."

Pointing out that from the outset, the government gave us two clear directions, clear political-military objectives and the operational flexibility to achieve these, Lt Ghai said, "They clearly stated end to destroy and degrade terror ecosystems, disrupt their planning and deter future aggression from these bases was very unambiguously spelt out, while the armed forces were entrusted with the wherewithal to plan and execute this operation."

Stating that Operation Sindoor was not an end and it was just the beginning, he said, " India's fight against terror will go on. India will defend its sovereignty, its security, and its people decisively, professionally and with the utmost responsibility."

Citing that the Operation was also a joint tri-service effort, Lt Ghai stated that it integrated land, air and maritime capabilities with shared situational awareness, common operation and intelligence pictures and real time decision making.

"Standoff precision strikes, nine in all, seven executed by the Indian army and two by the Indian Air Force, were timed to perfection, achieved total surprise and inflicted maximum damage in each established hub deep in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and heartland Pakistan," he said.

Lt Ghai said the Operation also showcased indigenous capability and added that a significant percentage of the weapon systems, munitions, rockets and missiles, sensors and electronic warfare suits that were employed were developed and produced in India.

He said the BrahMos, Akash, advanced surveillance and targeting systems along with homegrown ammunition and spares, all played a decisive role. Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti stated that the Pahalgam incident in itself was an incident for which no amount of condemnation will ever be enough.

"We cannot bring back our fellow countrymen who were massacred in cold blood on April 22, 2025. But we can certainly resolve to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. Operation Sindoor, which remains paused, is an effort towards that resolve," he said.

Stating India has lived with a simple philosophy of live and let live, he said, "But, when our desire for peace is mistaken for weakness, and our silence is taken as absence, there is no choice but to act. When we act, there are no half measures. It is decisive, it is lethal, and it translates into Operations Sindoor."

Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a post on X wrote, "On the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, we salute the valour and sacrifices of our armed forces, whose courage and dedication continue to safeguard the nation. Their actions during the operation reflected unmatched precision, seamless jointness and deep synergy across services, setting a benchmark for modern military operations."

The Minister said Operation Sindoor stands as a powerful symbol of national resolve and preparedness, showing that our armed forces are always ready to act decisively when it matters most.

He further said it also stands testament to India’s steady advance towards achieving Atmanirbharta (self reliant), enhancing capability while reinforcing resilience.