'Will erase from map if terror continues': Army Chief’s stern warning to Pakistan

Speaking at an Army post in Rajasthan’s border district of Anupgarh, General Dwivedi said Pakistan must end its state-backed terror networks or risk losing its very presence on the map.

“This time we will not maintain the restraint that we had in Operation Sindoor 1.0. This time we will do something that will make Pakistan think whether it wants to retain its place in geography or not. If Pakistan wants to retain its place in geography, then it must stop state-sponsored terrorism,” General Dwivedi told soldiers.

He also asked troops to stay prepared for future action. “If God wills, you’ll get an opportunity soon. All the best,” the Army chief said.

Operation Sindoor

His comments came months after Operation Sindoor, a large-scale precision strike carried out by Indian forces on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian forces had targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), using long-range weapons to eliminate training centres and masterminds while avoiding civilian and military infrastructure.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh had earlier claimed that during the operation, the Indian Air Force shot down four to five Pakistani fighter jets, including U.S.-made F-16s and Chinese JF-17s, and a “big bird”, believed to be an airborne warning and control aircraft.

The strikes brought India and Pakistan close to open war, but a ceasefire was reached on May 10 after Pakistani commanders reportedly pleaded with their Indian counterparts to halt the offensive.

General Dwivedi on Friday stressed that India had presented evidence to the international community about the terror hideouts destroyed during the operation. “Had India not done so, Pakistan would have hidden the truth,” he said.

At the same event, General Dwivedi honoured three personnel for their exceptional roles in Operation Sindoor: BSF 140th Battalion Commandant Prabhakar Singh, Rajputana Rifles Major Ritesh Kumar, and Havildar Mohit Gaira.

Friday’s warning follows a string of tough military statements, underscoring that India’s patience may be running out. General Dwivedi’s message signals that Operation Sindoor 2.0 could be on the horizon if Pakistan fails to dismantle its terror infrastructure.