Operation Sindoor: Inside India’s Readiness for a Ground Offensive

Operation Sindoor marked a defining chapter in India’s counter-terror strategy, reflecting a shift from reactive responses to calibrated but forceful military preparedness. Triggered by the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in May 2025, the operation underscored New Delhi’s resolve to impose tangible costs on terror networks operating from across the border while maintaining control over escalation dynamics.

Recent disclosures by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi have added depth to public understanding of the operation, revealing that India was not only executing precision strikes but was also fully prepared to launch ground operations if Pakistan had chosen to escalate further.

Speaking at an event, the Army chief shared that India had done "major mobilisation" and was ready for a "ground offensive" had the conflict between India and Pakistan escalated. (AFP) | Hindustan Times

Operation Sindoor and the 88-Hour Military Window

Launched on 7 May 2025, Operation Sindoor unfolded over an intense 88-hour period during which India carried out coordinated strikes against terror infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The operation targeted multiple camps linked to proscribed terrorist organisations, resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists, according to official assessments.

General Dwivedi explained that during this window, the Indian Army deliberately expanded the conventional military space. Troop mobilisation, logistical readiness, and forward deployments were executed in a manner that kept all options open, including a full-scale ground offensive. This posture was designed to deter miscalculation by Pakistan while signalling India’s operational confidence.

Tri-Service Coordination and Political Clarity

One of the defining features of Operation Sindoor was the level of coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The campaign was conducted under a clear political mandate, enabling seamless integration of air strikes, ground preparedness, maritime surveillance, and intelligence support.

Senior military leadership has highlighted that such synchronisation was critical in maintaining escalation dominance. The ability to mobilise across domains without confusion or delay reflected the maturation of India’s joint operational doctrine, setting a benchmark for future responses to cross-border terrorism.

Pakistan’s Response and Escalation Control

As India executed its strikes, Pakistan responded with missile launches, drone incursions, and cross-border shelling. Indian air defence systems successfully intercepted several incoming threats, while the government actively countered misinformation regarding alleged strikes on Indian military installations.

Despite the volatile environment, India avoided uncontrolled escalation. Strategic analysts note that Pakistan’s subsequent calls for de-escalation indicated the effectiveness of India’s deterrence posture, particularly the visible readiness for ground operations without explicitly crossing that threshold.

Impact on Terror Infrastructure and Border Security

Post-operation assessments suggest a significant disruption of terror logistics and leadership structures across the Line of Control. Indian surveillance continues to monitor remaining camps, while counter-infiltration measures along the Jammu and Kashmir frontier have been reinforced.

General Dwivedi has stated that while terrorist ecosystems have been weakened, vigilance remains essential. The Army retains full operational freedom to respond to ceasefire violations or renewed infiltration attempts, ensuring that the gains of Operation Sindoor are sustained.

Strategic Implications Beyond the Battlefield

Operation Sindoor represents more than a tactical success; it signals a broader evolution in India’s national security doctrine. The operation demonstrated that India can employ calibrated military force, impose deterrent costs, and still maintain strategic restraint in a nuclearised environment.

International defence observers have noted that the operation recalibrated regional deterrence equations, challenging long-standing assumptions that India would remain constrained by escalation risks. By preparing for ground action without rushing into it, New Delhi projected strength, credibility, and strategic patience.

The MGMM Outlook

Operation Sindoor reflects a decisive evolution in India’s counter-terrorism posture, moving beyond reactive measures toward calibrated military preparedness backed by political clarity. Triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack in May 2025, the operation demonstrated India’s willingness to impose real costs on cross-border terror infrastructure while retaining control over escalation. Revelations by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi underline that India was not operating under limited options; alongside precision strikes, the armed forces were fully prepared for ground operations, deliberately expanding conventional space to deter miscalculation and signal resolve.

The operation’s strength lay in seamless tri-service coordination and a clearly articulated political mandate, allowing India to dominate escalation without crossing unnecessary thresholds. Despite Pakistan’s missile launches, drone activity, and information warfare, Indian air defences and strategic restraint ensured stability while degrading terror networks across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The visible readiness for a ground offensive, even without executing it, recalibrated regional deterrence and challenged long-held assumptions about India’s strategic constraints. Operation Sindoor thus underscores a doctrine rooted in preparedness, restraint, and the ability to act decisively when required.

(Sources: Business Today, Hindustan Times, Indian Express)