Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has revealed that Operation Sindoor, India's military offensive launched in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, extended beyond the widely believed cessation of hostilities on May 10, 2025. Speaking at a book launch event in New Delhi, General Dwivedi stated that the "war" continued for a longer duration due to numerous decisions that had to be taken. He refrained from disclosing further details, citing the sensitivity of the matter.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the death of 26 civilians. The operation involved missile strikes on terrorist infrastructure facilities of Pakistan-based militant groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India asserted that the strikes were targeted at terrorist camps and avoided military or civilian facilities. However, Pakistan claimed that the strikes hit civilian areas, causing casualties.

Following the Indian strikes, there were reports of border skirmishes and drone strikes between the two countries. Pakistan's army retaliated with mortar shelling on Jammu, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to homes and religious sites. India responded by conducting precision strikes against Pakistani air defense systems.

General Dwivedi emphasized that it was too early to assess the full impact of Operation Sindoor on the Line of Control (LoC), noting that infiltration attempts by Pakistan-backed terrorists continue. He highlighted the exceptional coordination and synergy between the three services and other agencies during the operation. He lauded the Indian Army for its calibrated response after Pakistan targeted Indian Army bases with missiles and drones.

The Army Chief described the book, "Operation Sindoor: The Untold Stories of India's Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan," authored by Lt. Gen. K.J.S. Dhillon (Retd), as "foundational," setting a benchmark for future operations and serving as a reference for research scholars and military strategists. He said it also offers lessons in narrative management, media engagement, and international relations during testing times.

General Dwivedi hailed the Indian Army for moving with "rhythmic precision" during Operation Sindoor, demonstrating synergy from soldier to commander and involving the civil and state administration. He noted that every action during Operation Sindoor carried long-term implications, demanding careful consideration of time, space, resources, and objectives. He added that the operation reflects India's resolve, guided by strategic clarity and a whole-of-nation approach.

Operation Sindoor has been described as a principle-driven military response underpinned by strategic restraint. India maintained that its objective was to uphold national sovereignty and protect civilian lives without escalating the conflict. By confining military action to terrorist infrastructure, India aimed to demonstrate its non-escalatory posture and respect for international norms.

The operation also showcased India's capabilities in electronic warfare and AI-enabled deception. The Indian Air Force's use of advanced technology to mislead Pakistani air defenses was described as a shift in doctrinal warfare. The Border Security Force (BSF) played a critical role in thwarting a major infiltration attempt along the International Border.