ISLAMABAD: The Army Commander of India’s Western Command, LieutenantGeneral Manoj Katiyar, has issued a stark warning that the possibility ofarmed conflict on the western front with Pakistan remains very high.Speaking at the Western Command Investiture Ceremony in New Delhi, thesenior officer emphasized that despite India’s repeated efforts to fosterpeace, Pakistan continues to maintain a war-like atmosphere along theborder. This assessment comes against the backdrop of recent militaryexchanges, including the 2025 Operation Sindoor, which India described as adecisive response to cross-border terrorism.
The general’s remarks have heightened concerns over regional stability,particularly as both nuclear-armed nations continue to upgrade theirmilitary capabilities. Lieutenant General Katiyar highlighted Pakistan’salleged reliance on terrorism as its primary tool against India, notingthat such tactics persist despite setbacks suffered by Islamabad. Hepointed to internal crises within Pakistan, suggesting that its leadershipmight resort to fresh misadventures to divert domestic attention. Thestatement underscores a growing perception in Indian military circles thatdeterrence through strength is essential to prevent escalation.
A central element of the warning is the assertion that any futureconfrontation is unlikely to remain limited in scope. Lieutenant GeneralKatiyar explicitly stated that the next engagement could extend to multiplefronts, involving diverse domains such as conventional forces, cyberoperations, and other advanced warfare elements. This shift from previouslimited conflicts reflects lessons drawn from recent events, where rapidmilitary responses demonstrated the potential for broader involvement. Theofficer’s comments drew applause from attendees, signaling stronginstitutional resolve within the Indian armed forces.
Historical context amplifies the gravity of these warnings. The 2025four-day clash, triggered by a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, involvedmissile and drone strikes deep into each other’s territory, marking aqualitative escalation from earlier standoffs. India claimed successfulneutralization of terrorist infrastructure and key Pakistani militaryassets, while Pakistan highlighted its defensive capabilities. Suchepisodes have eroded the traditional notion of controlled, localizedconflicts, raising the risk of unintended expansion due to mutualretaliation dynamics.
Recent assessments from international observers further illustrate theprecarious situation. Reports from think tanks have indicated a moderatelikelihood of renewed armed confrontation in 2026, primarily driven byheightened terrorist activities and unresolved territorial disputes. Theseanalyses note that both sides have modernized their arsenals, with Indiaincorporating advanced fighter jets and Pakistan benefiting fromChinese-origin systems. The presence of multiple actors, including externalsupport networks, complicates de-escalation efforts and increases thepotential for miscalculation.
The Indian military’s posture emphasizes preparedness and the need fornational unity to counter perceived threats. Lieutenant General Katiyaralso addressed attempts to exploit internal divisions within India,particularly along religious lines, attributing such strategies tolong-standing adversarial tactics. He stressed the diversity and motivationof Indian forces as key strengths, drawing parallels to past victorieswhere human resolve proved decisive over technological advantages alone.
Experts caution that the nuclear dimension adds another layer ofcomplexity. While both nations possess robust deterrents, the blurring oflines between sub-conventional terrorism and state-level responsesheightens the danger of rapid escalation. Diplomatic channels, includingbackchannel communications, remain critical to managing crises, yet publicrhetoric from military leaders on both sides often intensifies mutualsuspicions.
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The warning arrives at a time when regional security dynamics areinfluenced by broader geopolitical shifts. Pakistan’s internal challenges,including economic pressures and political instability, may influence itsstrategic calculations, while India’s growing global profile demandssafeguarding its western flank. Sustained vigilance and dialogue are viewedas essential to avert a scenario where limited incidents spiral into widerconflict.
Source:https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/pakistan-has-no-courage-or-capability-to-fight-india-lt-gen-manoj-katiyar-warns-against-war-2026-01-10-1025292
Tags: Pakistan, India, Western Command, Operation Sindoor, LieutenantGeneral Manoj Katiyar
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