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The Hindu
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Top military officials from India, Pakistan share views at Shangri-La Dialogue
Top military officials from India and Pakistan highlighted their views at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, billed as Asia's premier defence forum, amid heightened tensions between the two sides following last month's military confrontation. The longstanding tensions between the two neighbours grabbed attention at the gathering of the top global defence forum held from Friday to Sunday, reported Channel News Asia on Sunday. India accused Pakistan-based terror groups of a deadly attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in April, while Pakistan denies any involvement. And just as these nations sit next to each other geographically, some of their top generals sat in neighbouring conference rooms inside the Shangri-La Singapore, taking part in simultaneous sessions late on Saturday afternoon on topics ranging from defence innovation solutions to regional crisis-management mechanisms. "What India has done, politically, they have drawn a new red line of intolerance against terror," General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff with the Indian Armed Forces, said, referring to Operation Sindoor. "I hope, this particular operation, it's basically lying in military domain, that should bring about some lessons for our adversary also, and hopefully they learn that this is a limit of India's tolerance," Gen Chauhan said. "We have been subjected to this proxy war of terror for almost two decades and more, and we lost lot of want to put an end to it," he said. Operation Sindoor was launched early on May 7 to destroy nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead. All subsequent retaliations to Pakistani offensives were carried out under this operation. The four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Pakistan Armed Forces, warned of what could happen should another clash occur. "The strategic stability with the lowering of this threshold to the dangerous levels if next time such a conflict occurs and the cities are targeted first and the borders become irrelevant... there could be a possibility that before the international community intervenes because of the restricted or constricted times window, the damage and destruction may have already taken place," he said at the event. In the wake of the recent hostilities, both sides have moved from weapons to words, with India dispatching several delegations to visit more than 30 capitals across the world. A similar effort by Pakistan is set to start on June 2. The Channel also had a member of the multi-party Indian delegation that visited East and Southeast Asia during a stop in Singapore on May 27. Congress party leader and former external affairs minister Salman Khurshid agreed with the views that the effort is unprecedented. "It is an innovation, in a sense. And the fact that there are multi-party delegations, seven of them across the world, to all members of the (UN) Security Council and prospective members of the Security Council. In that sense, it is unprecedented, and we've got enormous support," he was quoted as saying. "You might even put it as something that has started, something that will at least ensure that our narrative is carried right through," he said. And that narrative is firmly focused on India's accusations that Pakistan isn't doing nearly enough to snuff out terrorism, according to the Channel report. General Mirza told the Channel in a wide-ranging interview that Pakistan is taking on terrorism on its soil and working to tackle cross-border terrorism from groups based in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Mirza said terrorism has cost his country hundreds of billions of dollars and tens of thousands of lives. India and Pakistan's 96-hour confrontation was seen as a test of the rivals' respective weapons systems, including French-made Rafale fighter jets and Chinese-made J10-C jets, armed with Chinese-made missiles, according to the Channel report. But the top generals on both sides have said their military forces can pick and choose when it comes to their firepower. "India doesn't depend on one nation for its defence needs,' said General Chauhan. "It's a number of capabilities which were put together, and most of these capabilities were put to good effects,' he was quoted as saying. General Mirza told the Channel that his country's capabilities include weapons from China and many other places. "I have military equipment from the US. I have military equipment from Turkiye. I have military equipment from Italy. I have military equipment from the UK," he listed. "We have the equipment from all equipment-producing countries." In addition, both sides relied on drones while also facing serious threats in the form of disinformation. But global concern was firmly fixed on the unconventional weapons they both possess, the ones that can cause widespread destruction and loss of life. The countries continue to maintain that the use of nuclear weapons was never on the table, with Pakistani officials, including General Mirza dismissing reports that Islamabad called a meeting of the National Command Authority, the body that oversees Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. "The tools of modern conflict are artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, cyber, precision, firepower and weapons," Mirza said.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Ludhiana conducts mock drill to tackle drone attacks at Dholewal Military Complex
A mock drill as part of the second statewide civic defence exercise, codenamed Operation Shield, was held at Dholewal Military Complex in Punjab's Ludhiana late Saturday evening. The exercise was aimed at evaluating and ensuring quick access of relief and emergency response teams to military installations during drone attacks, as well as to equip the public with the skills to handle crises effectively. The drill commenced at 8 pm with an alarm, prompting swift coordination among multiple agencies, including the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigade, district administration, municipal corporation (MC), police, health department, civil defence, National Cadet Corps (NCC), Nehru Yuva Kendra and others. Organised by the district administration in collaboration with defence authorities, the exercise simulated a real-time emergency response. Subdivisional Magistrate (Ludhiana East) Jasleen Kaur Bhullar said an incident command post was promptly established within the complex where nodal officers from participating departments convened. The fire brigade and NDRF conducted demonstrations on management techniques, while other teams showcased methods for rescuing and treating individuals during emergencies, emphasising life-saving protocols. Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain emphasised that the drill was designed to raise public awareness and ensure readiness for any district-wide emergency. Before the mock drill, the administration had urged residents to remain calm, clarifying that this is a routine preparedness drill in compliance with the Ministry of Home Affairs' mandate following the Pahalgam terror attack. This was the second such drill in Punjab, following the one held on May 7. That mock drill was conducted nationwide shortly after Operation Sindoor, India's military operation under which the armed forces targeted terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed in South Kashmir.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
ET Graphics: Rajnath Singh draws new redlines with Pakistan post-Operation Sindoor
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has articulated India's revised approach towards Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, emphasizing clear redlines. He underscored the Indian Navy's potential impact, referencing the 1971 war, and limited dialogue to terrorism and PoK. Singh asserted India's restraint during strikes, highlighting the operation's ongoing nature and warning of stronger future actions if provoked. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Over the past week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has outlined India's evolving stance on Pakistan, setting clear redlines across multiple fronts in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor , writes Manu highlighted the Indian Navy 's potential role, referencing its impact in 1971. 'If the Navy had joined Op Sindoor, Pakistan might have been divided into four parts. 1971 proved what happens when our Navy acts.'Singh ruled out any broad engagement, saying talks will be limited to terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 'If Pakistan is serious about dialogue, it should hand over Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India so justice can be served.'The minister reiterated that PoK residents aspire to reunite with India. 'Most people there feel a strong connection with India — only a few have been said India exercised restraint despite the capability to inflict greater damage during the strikes. 'We took out terror camps and military bases. We could have done more, but showed a rare balance of strength and restraint.'The operation, he said, is not over — only on pause. 'It's more than just a military mission — it's a direct assault on terrorism.'Singh warned that if provoked again, India could strike harder and faster. 'We ended our actions on our own terms. Our forces haven't even begun to show their full strength. Next time, the Navy may strike first.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
ET Graphics: Rajnath Singh Draws new redlines with Pakistan post-Operation Sindoor
Over the past week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has outlined India's evolving stance on Pakistan, setting clear redlines across multiple fronts in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor , writes Manu Pubby. On Naval Power Singh highlighted the Indian Navy 's potential role, referencing its impact in 1971. 'If the Navy had joined Op Sindoor, Pakistan might have been divided into four parts. 1971 proved what happens when our Navy acts.' On Talks with Pakistan Singh ruled out any broad engagement, saying talks will be limited to terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 'If Pakistan is serious about dialogue, it should hand over Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India so justice can be served.' On PoK The minister reiterated that PoK residents aspire to reunite with India. 'Most people there feel a strong connection with India — only a few have been misled. Live Events On Military Restraint He said India exercised restraint despite the capability to inflict greater damage during the strikes. 'We took out terror camps and military bases. We could have done more, but showed a rare balance of strength and restraint.' On Operation Sindoor The operation, he said, is not over — only on pause. 'It's more than just a military mission — it's a direct assault on terrorism.' On Future Action Singh warned that if provoked again, India could strike harder and faster. 'We ended our actions on our own terms. Our forces haven't even begun to show their full strength. Next time, the Navy may strike first.' Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Congress criticises Centre over Armed Forces remarks at Jabalpur rally
The Congress on Saturday (May 31, 2025), in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur, targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union Government and asserted that the Armed Forces do not belong to any single party but to the entire nation. The remarks came on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting State capital Bhopal. Several senior Congress leaders, including former Chief Ministers Digvijaya Singh, Kamal Nath, and Chhattisgarh's Bhupesh Baghel, addressed a gathering at the 'Jai Hind Sabha' rally. The event formed part of the party's nationwide campaign to honour the Armed Forces and personnel for their service during Operation Sindoor, India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Addressing the audience, Mr. Baghel, the party's national general secretary, said, 'The army does not belong to any one party, but to the whole nation. There is no question on their valour. The question is on the transparency of the government's intentions and decisions.' 'What is the compulsion that those who showed their 56-inch chest are now working under the pressure of US [United States] President [Donald] Trump?' Mr. Baghel asked, in an apparent criticism of the Prime Minister, referencing Mr. Trump's perceived role in the ceasefire announcement between India and Pakistan on May 10. Mr. Baghel stated that the Congress had fully supported the Government in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, 'but the Prime Minister did not attend either of the two all-party meetings.' 'He did not go to Pahalgam, but to Bihar for election campaign,' he added. Mr. Singh, currently a Rajya Sabha member, delivered a sharp critique of the BJP over recent comments by Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda, who reportedly said that the Armed Forces were 'bowing down in the feet of Mr. Modi'. 'They insult the Armed Forces and say [they] are in Narendra Modi's feet. This is their mindset,' Mr. Singh said, asserting that the Congress supported an ideology that upheld respect for the Forces. 'We will be safe only if we remain united. BJP does the politics of spreading hatred. Those who do politics on the shroud of martyrdom cannot be patriots,' he added. Recalling the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Mr. Nath said the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had not yielded to American pressure. 'I have seen the 1971 war. America put various kinds of pressure but she did not bend,' he said. Mr. Nath, who led the last Congress government in the State, also criticised the current administration, describing Madhya Pradesh as having become 'the capital of lies, corruption, crimes against women and anti-farmer policies'. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari remarked that the entire country had stood behind the government when the Prime Minister called for support. 'But the Prime Minister has betrayed. He could not take PoK [Pakistan-occupied Kashmir]. If Indira Gandhi had been the Prime Minister today, the PoK would have been a part of India. The whole country is asking why the Prime Minister bowed down to Trump?' Mr. Patwari said. Other leaders present at the event included the State's Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar, State Congress in-charge Harish Choudhary, and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha. Mr. Singhar alleged that the ceasefire agreement was a 'gimmick' between Mr. Modi and the United States. 'Modi is branding himself in the name of Sindoor Yatra,' he said.
