Pune, May 30 (KNO): Reaffirming the Army’s commitment to safeguard nation’s security, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday said that the Indian Armed Forces remain fully prepared to launch the next phase of ‘Operation Sindoor 2.0’ if the need arises.
Talking to reporters after reviewing the passing-out parade of the 150th course at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, General Dwivedi, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said ‘Operation Sindoor’ remains active and that the armed forces are preparing for future contingencies.
"There is a temporary cessation of hostilities at present, but all three services are preparing thoroughly for the next phase if the need arises," he said.
Pertinently, the operation was launched by India in May 2025 to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead. Indian armed forces struck deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and destroyed nine terrorist camps. The strikes led to skirmishes between the two countries that last for four days. Hostilities ended after Pakistan Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) approached his Indian counterpart and requested for a ceasefire.
General Dwivedi said the nature of warfare is changing rapidly and future conflicts would increasingly extend beyond traditional battlefields. "Modern warfare is no longer confined to land, sea and air. Space, cyber and cognitive domains are becoming equally significant," he said.
Referring to technological advancements and surveillance capabilities, the Army chief said battlefields have become highly transparent, making operational planning more challenging.
“Today, almost every movement can be observed by the adversary. This requires greater caution in deployment, employment of forces and protection of troops as well as civilians living in border areas,” he said.
The Army Chief also underlined the growing role of artificial intelligence and automation in military operations, saying faster decision-making has become essential in contemporary conflicts.
Speaking to the newly commissioned officers, he said future military leaders must adapt to evolving security challenges and technological changes shaping modern warfare.
On the government's plan for integrated theatre commands, General Dwivedi said progress was being made and discussions were underway at different levels.
He said a detailed report on theatrisation has already been submitted to the Defence Minister and is under consideration.
Under the proposed structure, the Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs would continue to oversee force preparedness and capability development, while theatre commanders would be responsible for conducting joint operations.
Expressing confidence in the process, General Dwivedi said integrated theatre commands could become operational within the next two to three years if consensus is achieved among the services.
The Army Chief also referred to the force's ongoing modernisation efforts under the "Decade of Transformation" initiative, aimed at making the Army more agile, technology-driven and future-ready.
He said several new organisational structures are being developed using existing resources and emphasised the role of young officers in leading the transformation process.
The NDA passing-out parade marked the graduation of 355 cadets. The ceremony included military displays, aerial demonstrations and participation by personnel from the three services—(KNO)