In a recent address, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh emphasized the critical lessons the world should learn from India's Operation Sindoor, particularly regarding the termination of conflicts and the avoidance of ego-driven warfare. He highlighted the importance of clearly defined military objectives and cautioned against allowing egos to prolong conflicts, citing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict as examples where shifting goals and inflated egos have led to protracted engagements and devastating consequences.
Air Chief Marshal Singh asserted that Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack that resulted in the killing of 26 civilians, serves as a prime example of how a nation can effectively use air power to achieve military objectives within a short timeframe. The operation, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, successfully met its anti-terrorism goals, leading to a swift termination of hostilities. According to Singh, the "longest kill" achieved by the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the operation reached 300 kilometers inside Pakistani territory. He also stated that the strikes pushed Islamabad into a corner, compelling them to request a ceasefire.
Speaking at an event, the Air Chief put to rest arguments from sections of the public who supported a prolonged action against Pakistan. He stated that continuing a conflict comes at a price, affecting a country's progress and preparedness for future challenges. India, he argued, set an example by demonstrating how to initiate and conclude a conflict at the earliest opportunity. He criticized the shifting of goals in the ongoing conflicts and added that egos are coming in between.
Air Chief Marshal Singh also highlighted the effectiveness of indigenously manufactured weapons during Operation Sindoor. He noted that the robust air defense architecture and the offensive employment of long-range surface-to-air missile systems limited the adversary's ability to operate and ensured the safety of vital Indian assets. He said that the outstanding performance of the indigenously developed and integrated weapons which delivered precise and devastating blows deep inside enemy territory vindicates our faith in home-grown capabilities.
Furthermore, Air Chief Marshal Singh addressed the increasing use of drones in modern warfare, acknowledging their potential to aid and create confusion but clarified that they cannot win wars on their own. He emphasized the continued importance of manned aircraft in delivering decisive blows, particularly when targeting locations deep within enemy territory.
Operation Sindoor, according to Singh, not only restricted the enemy's operational ability but also vindicated the efficacy of indigenously manufactured weapons. He described the operation as a shining example of what can be achieved through meticulous planning, disciplined training, and determined execution. He also said that India's bold and precise attacks restored the rightful place of offensive air action in the national consciousness.
In conclusion, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh's remarks underscore the importance of strategic clarity, well-defined objectives, and the ability to terminate conflicts promptly. He positions Operation Sindoor as a model for other nations to emulate, advocating for a pragmatic approach to warfare that prioritizes achieving specific goals over protracted engagements fueled by ego and shifting objectives.
