22-Minute Strike Disrupted Pakistan’s Decision-Making During Operation Sindoor: Army Chief

New Delhi - Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said that a swift 22-minute strike on terror targets during Operation Sindoor emerged as a major turning point, significantly disrupting Pakistan’s decision-making process.

Addressing the Indian Army’s annual press conference, Gen Dwivedi said the brief but decisive strike created confusion on the other side, delaying responses and leading to mismanaged actions that were met with India’s calibrated countermeasures.

“The first turning point was the 22-minute strike on terrorist targets, which derailed the adversary’s decision-making. They took time to absorb the impact, resulting in confusion and poorly coordinated responses, all of which were met with our measured reaction,” he said.

The second turning point, he added, came on the morning of May 10, when the tri-services were issued clear directions on the course of action in the event of further escalation. “They had complete visibility through satellite inputs on the movement of our ships, strike formations, core units and aircraft. Once they connected the dots, they realised it was time to stop the war and initiated contact with our DGMO,” Gen Dwivedi said.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting high-value terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), eliminating over 100 terrorists. Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile attacks, which were successfully intercepted by Indian forces. India, in turn, destroyed several Pakistani airfields. Military action was halted on May 10 after Pakistan sought de-escalation.

Gen Dwivedi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s preparedness, precision and strategic clarity. He noted that India’s firm response underscored a global reality that nations which remain prepared ultimately prevail.

“The past year has witnessed a sharp rise in armed conflicts worldwide. These developments reinforce one truth—nations that stay prepared prevail. Against this backdrop, Operation Sindoor reflected India’s resolute and calibrated response to cross-border terrorism,” he said.

Speaking on the Western Front, the Army Chief recalled that a decisive response to the Pahalgam attack was taken at the highest level. “Operation Sindoor was planned and executed with precision. The 22-minute initiation on May 7 and the coordinated operations over 88 hours until May 10 reset strategic assumptions by striking deep, dismantling terror infrastructure and puncturing long-standing nuclear rhetoric,” he said.

He added that the Army successfully neutralised seven of the nine identified targets and played a key role in ensuring a measured response to Pakistani actions.

Gen Dwivedi reiterated that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing and warned that any future misadventure would be met with a resolute response.

He also acknowledged the proactive role of multiple stakeholders, including the CAPFs, intelligence agencies, civic bodies, state administrations and central ministries such as the MHA, MEITY and Railways.

“Operation Sindoor stands as a prime example of tri-services synergy under clear political direction and complete operational freedom,” the Army Chief said.

— IANS