National Security News
11 August
Tv10punjab
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi described “Operation Sindhur” as an exceptional mission, unlike any traditional operation. Speaking at an event in IIT Madras on August 4, he recalled the challenges faced during the decisive military action carried out on April 22 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. According to him, the operation targeted terrorist infrastructure but was full of unpredictable moves, much like a game of chess.
General Dwivedi explained that in chess, you never know the opponent’s next move — and the same was true in this mission. This uncertainty, he said, falls under what the Army calls the “grey zone.” Unlike traditional operations, where forces move with all their equipment and a clear objective to hold or return from a location, grey zone operations are less conventional and more adaptive. They require constant changes in strategy to counter unpredictable threats.
He compared the mission to a “Test match” that ended on the fourth day but could have lasted much longer. The Army Chief pointed out that such situations may arise again in the future, and the scale of the threat could be even greater, stressing the need for preparedness.
Explaining further, he said that during Operation Sindhur, both sides were making strategic moves like chess players. At times, the Indian forces had the upper hand, putting the enemy in “checkmate,” while at other moments, they risked their own lives to secure victory. This, he added, is the essence of real-life challenges in the armed forces — taking calculated risks, adapting to changing circumstances, and aiming to outsmart the opponent in complex battle environments.
General Dwivedi’s remarks highlighted the evolving nature of warfare and the importance of strategic thinking in modern military operations.