With Operation Sindoor, India aimed not for war but to establish a new reality for Pakistan by imposing costs that Islamabad could not ignore, stated Lieutenant General (Retired) Vinod Bhatia, a former Director General of Military Operations (DGMO). This military initiative communicated to Pakistan that any bold move would entail costs far greater than it was willing to accept. Bhatia emphasized that this signifies a doctrinal shift in India’s approach to its neighbor.
Over the course of a four-day military campaign, India successfully targeted nine terrorist sites, at least eight airbases, and numerous air defense and radar installations. This offensive spanned from Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) in the north to Karachi in the south. The most significant damage occurred in Punjab, where India’s strikes targeted critical military assets, including the Chaklala and Sargodha airbases.
The intensity of the assault was evident, leading Pakistan to reject Indian diplomatic outreach on May 7 but ultimately request a ceasefire just three days later, on May 10, a request that India accepted. While some critics argue that India should have escalated the attack further, Bhatia contended that the ceasefire was justified since India had met its objectives.
Bhatia explained, “India did not initiate Operation Sindoor to escalate into a full-scale war. The main aim was to alter the cost-benefit dynamic of conflict. For decades, Pakistan operated a low-cost, high-impact strategy using terrorism. With Operation Sindoor, India transformed that into a high-cost, low-impact scenario. Pakistan now realizes that any terrorist action against India will incur unexpected costs.”
The implications of these actions extend beyond immediate military damage, such as destroyed air defense systems and bombed runways. The potential suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty could have lasting effects, given that about 80% of Pakistan’s agriculture and one-third of its hydropower rely on the Indus river system, crucial for a sector that represents a quarter of the nation’s economy.
Regarding criticism that India should have prolonged its military efforts, Bhatia reiterated that a full-scale war was never the intention, and entering conflict without clear objectives is perilous. He stressed the importance of maintaining a defined end-state for the campaign.
“India managed the escalation ladder, maintained the initiative, and remained proactive throughout the operation. Without a envisioned end-state, one risks spiraling into uncontrolled escalation. Extending hostilities after achieving objectives could have led to disaster. India prevented that scenario,” Bhatia stated, highlighting the campaign’s effectiveness and strategic execution, which compelled Pakistan to seek peace following India’s decisive actions.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/india-didnt-seek-war-imposed-high-costs-to-set-new-normal-ex-dgmo-on-operation-sindoor-13888828.html
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Publish Date: 2025-05-15 20:13:00
