“Operation Sindoor 2.0 Will Be Deadlier”: Western Army Commander Warns Pakistan Against Any Misadventure

Chandigarh: Sending a strong message across the border, Western Army Commander Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar on Tuesday warned that any future provocation from Pakistan would invite a far more lethal and decisive Indian response.

Addressing ex-servicemen during an event marking the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, Lt Gen Katiyar declared that “Operation Sindoor 2.0” — if launched — would be “deadlier than before”, leaving no room for doubt about India’s preparedness.

“The action we will take this time will be deadlier than in the past. It will be more powerful. Yes, you are very right — it (Operation Sindoor 2.0) has to be deadlier. There is no doubt about it,” Lt Gen Katiyar told reporters.

The commander said Pakistan continues its long-standing policy to “bleed India through a thousand cuts”, resorting to cross-border terrorism as it lacks the capability to fight a direct war.

“Until there is a change in Pakistan’s thinking, it will continue to carry out such mischiefs. It does not have the capacity to fight a war with us. They do not want a war, so they resort to terrorism,” he added.

Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which civilians lost their lives, Lt Gen Katiyar said India had already given a “befitting reply” during Operation Sindoor, destroying multiple Pakistani posts and air bases. However, he warned that Pakistan could attempt similar attacks again.

“Pakistan again attempted a nefarious strike through a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, but the Indian Army responded strongly. In Operation Sindoor, we received full support from the public, veterans, the state, and the administration,” he said, lauding the collective effort behind India’s success.

He emphasized that the Indian Army remains on high alert to counter any future infiltration or terror attempts.

“We believe Pakistan’s attitude will not change. It lacks the courage to face us directly, so it will attempt another terrorist attack like Pahalgam. It is important that we remain vigilant. The Indian Army is ready to thwart any such move,” the commander asserted.