Codename Sindoor, mock drill timing, two women officers to brief the world: Veterans underline signalling maneuvers

Pune-based Lieutenant General B T Pandit (Retd) said, “The first thing that the strike has achieved is we have thrown back the ball in Pakistan’s court about escalation. The actions taken by India before and after had some key signalling maneuvers that should not be missed. I feel the political leadership played a deception game. The political leaders continued their routines and participated in routine events. Further, the directions from the government on mock drills and air raid precautions were a key deception measure. It possibly created a narrative that India has just started preparing. And within a day the strike was conducted. So I feel it was really well-handled from a perception point of view too.” Gen Pandit added, “As a country of emotional people, we are likely to go overboard by such successful strikes. But we, as a nation, will have to be ready for reactions.”

Brigadier Ajit Apte (Retd) said, “After the Pahalgam terror attack, India employed all avenues of diplomatic power, political power and economic power and, after a thorough assessment, decided on the date and time of Operation Sindoor. The selection of the codeword Sindoor sends out a very strong signal in itself at many levels. Going further, fielding two women officers from the Army and Air Force has given a loud message to the nation, to the adversary and to the global community. On the other hand, since we are dealing with an irrational and impulsive adversary, we as a nation have to be prepared.”

Brig Hemant Mahajan (Retd) said, “Firstly, this strike is a very strong signal to the skeptics who had doubted the surgical strikes and Balakot attack. This time it was Pakistan who gave the proof to the world. Secondly, there were a set of people who spoke about the international community asking India to exercise restraint. The strike sends a strong message that if anything goes against our national interest, we will do what is required to be done and not succumb to undue international pressures.”