ISLAMABAD: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi disclosed during hisannual press conference in New Delhi on January 13, 2026, that Pakistanpossessed detailed intelligence on Indian military movements throughsatellite reconnaissance during the May 2025 escalation. The revelation hassparked renewed debate on regional intelligence asymmetries and thedynamics that ended the brief but intense confrontation known as OperationSindoor.
The conflict originated from the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack inJammu and Kashmir, which claimed multiple lives and was attributed toPakistan-based groups. India responded on May 7 with precision strikestargeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmirunder Operation Sindoor. Over the subsequent days, exchanges involved droneand missile attempts from Pakistan, largely intercepted by Indian defences,followed by Indian counter-strikes on Pakistani airfields. The 88-houroperation demonstrated tri-service synergy and full operational freedomgranted to the armed forces.
General Dwivedi emphasised that Pakistan’s satellite-derived insightsprovided comprehensive visibility into Indian deployments, including ships,strike forces, corps units, and aircraft relocations.This intelligencecapability reportedly shocked Indian assessments, highlightingvulnerabilities in concealment despite extensive mobilisation preparationsfor potential ground operations.
Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, according to the Army Chief, serving asa calibrated response to cross-border terrorism while resetting strategicassumptions. He noted that the operation punctured long-standing nuclearrhetoric from Pakistan without any nuclear discussions occurring in DGMOtalks. Post-ceasefire, the western front and Jammu and Kashmir situationhas stayed sensitive but under firm control, with no major violationsreported since May 10.
Data from 2025 indicates 139 ceasefire violations, with 124 occurringduring the Operation Sindoor period, underscoring the heightened tensions.Security forces neutralised 31 terrorists that year, approximately 65 percent of Pakistani origin, including those linked to the Pahalgam incident.Active local terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir have declined to singledigits, with recruitment nearly halted at only two cases reported.
The Army Chief highlighted broader implications, including expandedconventional operational space contrary to prior assumptions of rapidnuclear escalation. India’s mobilisation scale during the 88 hourspositioned it for ground action if required, demonstrating readiness,precision, and strategic clarity amid rising global conflicts. He stressedthat nations staying prepared prevail in such environments.
Pakistan’s satellite intelligence access, likely augmented throughpartnerships, exposed real-time Indian movements and influencedde-escalation decisions. General Dwivedi acknowledged this level ofsurveillance as unexpected, prompting reflections on enhancing India’s ownspace-based and counter-intelligence measures. The episode underscoresevolving warfare domains where information superiority can dictate outcomeswithout full-scale engagement.
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In the aftermath, development activities, tourism revival, and peacefulevents like the Amarnath Yatra signal improving ground conditions inaffected areas. The operation exemplified jointness under clear politicaldirectives, with ongoing focus on modernisation, networking, anddata-centricity to bolster future capabilities.
The disclosure arrives against persistent regional strains, includingoccasional drone sightings and vigilance along borders. General Dwivediwarned that any future misadventure would face resolute response,reaffirming Operation Sindoor’s enduring status as a deterrent framework.
Source:https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-is-ongoing-army-chief-upendra-dwivedis-big-message-to-pakistan-10740644
Tags: India, Pakistan, Operation Sindoor, Upendra Dwivedi, SatelliteIntelligence
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