'India preparing for Operation Sindoor 2.0': Army chief Upendra Dwivedi says tri-services 'equipping for next warfare'

NEW DELHI: "India is preparing for Operation Sindoor 2.0," Army chief Upendra Dwivedi said on Saturday, asserting that the military posture adopted in response to Pakistan's actions following the Pahalgam terror attack remains in place.Speaking to news agency ANI, the Army chief stressed that "Operation Sindoor is still continuing" and described the current situation a "temporary cessation of hostilities."General Dwivedi, without directly naming Pakistan, issued a stern message by highlighting India's military preparedness, indicating that not only the Army but also the Air Force and Navy are ready should a fresh operation become necessary.Army chief said, "The Indian Army and all three services are preparing well for Operation Sindoor 2.0, if it takes place. Presently, we are looking at enhancing our synergy within the three services, equipping ourselves for the next warfare... 24x7."He added, "The battlefield is so transparent that every movement is known to the other side, therefore we have to be very cautious in terms of our deployment, employment and the protection required to protect our troops as well as the civilians in the border areas."General Dwivedi said information warfare succeeds only when it unites the nation behind a common narrative.He said, "Information warfare is only successful if the whole of nation gets together and trusts the people who are giving the information. If that happens, I can assure you that the nation which trusts each other and all these stakeholders will always win the war."Last year, India launched Operation Sindoor as a strong retaliatory military response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism during the intervening night of May 7 and May 8, 2025.The operation followed the April 22 terror attack in South Kashmir's Pahalgam, where Pakistan-backed terrorists opened fire in the scenic Baisaran Valley, killing 26 people.