Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, while addressing on Saturday at the Kargil War Memorial, announced that the recent surgical strikes during Operation Sindoor sent a strong message to Pakistan that all those who support terror will face the consequences.
"Operation Sindoor was a message to Pakistan and also a retaliatory measure for the Pahalgam terror attack, which was a wound to the nation at large. This time India did not just lament but demonstrated that the response will be final," Gen Dwivedi said in his speech on Vijay Diwas.
The Army Chief asserted that India has taken a tough new tack in handling aggressive threats.
"The trust reposed by the countrymen and the free hand provided by the government, the Indian Army has provided a fitting surgical response. Any power that attempts to challenge the integrity, unity and sovereignty of India or menace the people will be greeted with a fitting response. This is the new normal of India," he added.
Emphasizing the achievement of Operation Sindoor, Gen Dwivedi announced nine top terrorist targets on the other side of the border in Pakistan were eliminated without any collateral damage.
"India has achieved a resounding victory by successful targeting of terror infrastructure in Pakistan through Operation Sindoor. The army targeted the terror infrastructure and thwarted the other aggressive actions of Pakistan to achieve a resounding victory," he added.
He also condemned Pakistan's response earlier this year, saying that India offered peace a chance but was responded to with deceitful aggression.
"The Pakistani action on May 8 and 9 was effectively responded to. Our army air defence remained like an impenetrable wall which could not be overpowered by any missile or drones," he declared.
Gen Dwivedi also spoke about a future Indian Army that is quickly evolving into a world-class one. He unveiled plans to form a new integrated formation, the 'Rudra' brigade.
"Rudra, entire brigade, is being raised for which I gave sanction yesterday. As part of this, we will have infantry, mechanised infantry, armoured, artillery, special forces and unmanned aerial units at one location to render logistics and combat support," he clarified.
Besides, he said of the newly-raised Bhairav Light Commando Unit, to be used for swift, surprise attacks along the border.
"Each infantry battalion now has a platoon of drones. In the artillery, the Shaktiban regiment has been established, which will be equipped with a drone, counter-drone, and loiter munition. Each regiment will have a composite battery fitted with these," he stated, highlighting the Army's growing dependency on cutting-edge, home-grown technologies.
India's air defence also stands to be improved with indigenous missile systems, further augmenting the country's defence prowess in the years to come.
Referring to the Prime Minister's attendance at the silver jubilee celebration of the Kargil Vijay Diwas last year, General Dwivedi pointed out that it highlighted the national importance of the day.
"The country is secure because of the sacrifices of heroes on the icy heights. We recall their perseverance and commitment, and we pay our respects to the courageous heroes who gave up their lives so that we may enjoy life in peace with honor," he added, remembering the martyred soldiers.
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