Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi said that during Operation Sindoor, Indian Armed Forces showed the same valour as in Kargil, destroyed Pakistan’s terrorist infrastructure, and achieved a decisive victory. After paying tribute to the fallen soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial on the occasion of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas in Drass, General Dwivedi highlighted the recent Operation Sindoor.
He said the Indian Army decisively struck terror infrastructure in response to enemy aggression. He emphasized that India offered peace but faced cowardice and responded with courage. He also praised the country’s strong air defence system, calling it a powerful shield against drones and missile threats.
In his speech he added “May 6–7 operation was aimed at neutralising high-value targets in Pakistan and areas under its control in Jammu and Kashmir.The operation avoided civilian harm and was intended to send a clear message that the support system behind cross-border attacks would face direct consequences.”
General Dwivedi also said that following this strike, the Indian Army remained prepared between May 7 and 9 to respond to any further action from across the border.
According to Gen Diwedi, the armed forces acted within a wider government strategy that involved multiple security agencies working together.
As part of long-term changes within the military, he announced the formation of integrated combat units called ‘Rudra’ brigades. These units will combine several branches of the Army, including foot soldiers, armoured units, artillery, special teams, and drone-based platforms, all supported by logistics designed for joint deployment.
Two such brigades are already active and that this marks a shift from the earlier system, where brigades were grouped by specific roles. The aim is to improve coordination and readiness in future scenarios.
The Army Chief said newly raised light commando units named ‘Bhairav’ battalions have been developed to carry out rapid strikes along the frontier. In addition, drone sections have been included in each infantry unit, while artillery formations are being strengthened with remote systems designed to carry out strikes from a distance.
Gen Diwedi added the air defence component of the Army is being updated with locally built systems to manage aerial threats. According to him, all changes are being made with cooperation from other branches of the armed forces and government departments.
(With inputs from agency and edited by Pratyusha Mukherjee)
