Dehradun: The Indian Army's Western Command recently concluded a large-scale integrated ground and air exercise, codenamed 'Ram Prahar', which simulated offensive operations across the Pakistan border in Punjab. The month-long drill involved over 20,000 personnel and was conducted in terrain mirroring the riverside plains of Punjab, near Haridwar.
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Western Command, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, inspected the final phase of the exercise. He stated that the exercise focused on rehearsing responses to major provocations by Pakistan and that the Indian Army is prepared to respond with even greater force, if necessary, including entering Pakistan from Punjab.
"In the recent Operation Sindoor, we delivered a robust response, which resulted in extensive damage to Pakistani forces. But we doubt whether it has learnt any lesson," Lt. Gen. Katiyar said. "If there is another mischief by it, we are prepared to respond with far greater force, including entering Pakistan from Punjab," he asserted.
The 'Ram Prahar' exercise involved fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft, Apache attack helicopters, amphibious armored vehicles, tanks, drone-based surveillance, and night-time paratrooper deployment. According to an army officer involved in the exercise, the drill tested operational agility, multi-domain capabilities, and real-time coordination across land, air, and cyber domains.
Lt. Gen. Katiyar has previously cautioned that Pakistan might attempt another attack similar to the one in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed. He affirmed that India is ready to give a befitting response to any such attempts. "Though 'Operation Sindoor', Pakistan was given a befitting reply… but Pakistan can never mend its ways. They could launch another attack like the one in Pahalgam, we have our eyes on every one of its moves," Lt Gen Katiyar said.
In October 2025, Lt. Gen. Katiyar stated that India's response to future provocations from Pakistan under a potential "Operation Sindoor 2.0" would be "deadlier" and "more powerful" than before. He also asserted that Pakistan lacks the capability to fight a conventional war with India, suggesting they may resort to "Pahalgam-type" attacks, following their strategy to "bleed India through a thousand cuts".
Lt. Gen. Katiyar highlighted the importance of remaining alert and prepared to meet any eventuality and expressed confidence in the full support of veterans in every situation. He reaffirmed that the Indian Army is fully geared up to defeat any nefarious designs of Pakistan with its full might.
The Western Command chief also noted that Pakistan had previously attempted to attack Jammu and Pathankot airbases using drones, but these attempts were thwarted by Indian anti-air defense systems. He emphasized that India will not compromise on its sovereignty and security at any cost, and any move by Pakistan will be met with a response that "will make history".
