Airforce Chief AP Singh has asserted that during Operation Sindoor there was a clear and solid ‘political will’. While speaking at an event in New Delhi, he claimed that this ‘political will’ aided to sail through all the challenges during the conflict and helped to achieve a strategic edge against the enemies. He recalled the experiences and challenges encountered during the Balakot airstrike in 2019 and hailed that clear political will helped to overcome these previous challenges and achieve a clear strategic victory during Operation Sindoor.
Solid evidence helped to reply the critics
He said that during the Balakot airstrike there was limited satellite imagery with lack of clarity. Based on human intelligence the number of terrorists died and other destructions committed to terror bases was published. However we didn’t have any solid satellite evidence to publicize. So, critics and skeptics repeatedly questioned about the exact causalities or harms and they were not satisfied with the answers and evidence given.
He further added that these challenges were rectified during Operation Sindoor. There are videos and satellite images with utmost clarity that helps to give a befitting reply to the critics. Airforce Chief, thus acknowledged the role of advanced technologies that not just helped to destroy the enemy terror camps but also aided to give a sharp reply to the critics with exact video evidence.
Political will and joint operation helped to etch the victory
The Chief of Airforce also hailed the strong political will as one of the merits and biggest strength for the success of the operation. “The leadership gave clear directions, there were no restrictions and full operational freedom was given to plan and execute”, Airforce Chief exclaimed while speaking about the major reasons for achieving the intended goal during the Operation.
He also acknowledged the jointness and coordination among the three forces that helped to seek the strategic edge. “All the three services we were sitting together, discussing together and planning together along with the CDS and other agencies such as NSA. This cohesive effort is one of the major highlight of this operation and this has led to the positive outcome in the operation”, Airforce Chief further added while appreciating the coordination between the three forces.
World should turn to India to learn about conflict termination
In an era of the unending wars and unpredictable geopolitical turbulence, where years of wars are escalating with new dimensions and horizons without a sign of end, the Airforce Chief had a message to the world. He said that the world should learn from India regarding how to start and terminate a military conflict at the earliest opportunity. He said it in the context of Russia-Ukraine war or the Israel-Hamas conflict that has no sight of end.
“The main wars that are going on today, be it Russia, Ukraine or the Israel war. They are going on, years have passed, because no one is thinking about conflict termination. I think the world has to learn a lesson from India about how to start and terminate a conflict at the earliest possible opportunity”, affirmed the Airforce Chief.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Operation Sindoor, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh says, "The main wars that are going on today, be it Russia, Ukraine or the Israel war. They are going on, years have passed, because no one is thinking about conflict termination…We heard… pic.twitter.com/bxdLJCsbX5
— ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2025
In such an era of heightened conflict and ever-escalating tensions India launched Operation Sindoor with clear objectives and goals. Once the predetermined goals were achieved the Operation was ceased based on the request of Pakistan. Meanwhile, India conducted only “precision strikes” on the terror bases and ensured that no collateral or civilian damage was inflicted, thus India was responsible in its attack along with securing the national interest.
“We heard that people said that no, we should have done a little more. We stopped the war very quickly. Yes, they (Pakistan) were on the back foot, no doubt, but what was our objective? Our objective was anti-terrorism. We had to strike them. We had done that. So if our objectives have been met, then why should we not terminate a conflict? Why should we carry on? Because any conflict has a lot of price which has to be paid,” Singh emphasised.
Answering the critics who raised doubts regarding the halt of the operation, AP Singh said that if India had not halted the operation even after achieving the objectives, it would have indeed affected the preparedness of the country for future missions and emergencies. It will affect the economy and progress of the country
