Amid global debates on how to bring prolonged conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars to an end, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has said the world should learn from India’s swift and decisive approach.
Recalling Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory military action against Pakistan in May this year, Air Chief Marshal Singh emphasized that the conflict was wrapped up in just four days after achieving its objectives.
“The main wars that are going on today, be it Russia-Ukraine or the Israel conflict, have dragged on for years because no one is thinking about conflict termination. The world has to learn from India about how to start and terminate a conflict at the earliest possible opportunity,” Air Chief Marshal Singh said at an event in Delhi.
Operation Sindoor: Objectives Achieved Swiftly
On May 7, India launched precision strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 25 civilians.
The strikes, conducted with drones, missiles, and fighter jets, destroyed nine terror launchpads, eliminated over 100 terrorists, and targeted military infrastructure deep inside Pakistan.
Despite retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Pakistan, India’s air defence systems intercepted most threats, ensuring minimal damage on Indian soil.
India declared a ceasefire on May 10, after firmly warning Pakistan against future misadventures.
‘Why Continue When Mission Is Complete?’
Air Chief Marshal Singh also addressed criticism from opposition parties over the government’s decision to halt the offensive.
“We heard people say we should have continued longer. Yes, Pakistan was on the back foot, but what was our objective? Anti-terrorism. We struck them and achieved that. So why should we not terminate the conflict? Every war comes at a heavy cost,” he said.
He warned that dragging the conflict would have impacted India’s economy, long-term preparedness, and ability to respond to future threats.
Contrast With Global Conflicts
The Air Force Chief’s remarks came as the Russia-Ukraine war entered its fourth year, with no resolution in sight despite U.S. mediation efforts led by President Trump.
Similarly, the Israel-Hamas war, ongoing since October 2023, continues to claim thousands of lives with no signs of peace.
In contrast, India’s calibrated use of force under Operation Sindoor showcased a model of swift, precise, and limited objectives-based warfare, Singh argued.
‘Operation Sindoor Is Still On’
Though active strikes ended on May 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi later clarified that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing as a counter-terrorism doctrine, with the message that India will respond with even greater force to any future provocations.
