However, Upendra Dwivedi warned Pakistan on Saturday, that the neighbouring country had to choose between being a “part of geography or history” if it endorses terrorism against India.
During the interactive session in the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, the CAS was contacted about how he expects the Indian Army to act if happenings like that which prompted Operation Sindoor ever happen again.
In response, General Dwivedi reiterated India’s tough stance on terrorism and cross-border threats. However, he remarked that Pakistan must take a decision between its own security and the presence of terror outfits against India on its soil if they continue to run operations in the country.
The comments follow operations in India for the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor which was conducted after the deadly terror attack on Pahalgam last year. The Indian operation has involved specific air strikes against terror infrastructure on the enemy’s territory.
The remarks of General Dwivedi have come as a direct challenge to Pakistan at a time where Islamabad has recently signaled its interest to revive dialogue with India, having relations remained tense for over a year.
Pakistan, which had earlier welcomed a comment by former Indian Army chief M. M. Naravane which supported the idea of “keeping communication channels open” with India, did so. These comments were made by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader Dattatreya Hosabale, who had said that dialogue must not be closed.
Although periodic negotiations are suggested to improve relations, tensions between the two nuclear powers around terrorism, security on the border and regional stability persist.vv