China used Operation Sindoor as live weapons lab.
- Operation Sindoor has highlighted the complexity and evolving nature of modern warfare, according to Lt Gen Rahul R Singh.
- The operation showcased the integration of technology, cyber tactics, and precision weapons.
- It reflected multi-domain operations, involving coordination across land, air, and cyber.
- He said Operation Sindoor is a template for future battles, where adaptability and joint-force synergy will define success.
Operation Sindoor Unveils Realities of Modern Warfare: Lt Gen Rahul R Singh
In a bold and candid assessment of India’s evolving security challenges, Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance), outlined the key lessons from Operation Sindoor—a recent military exercise that has brought to light the real complexities of modern warfare and the growing nexus between Pakistan and China.
Not merely a routine exercise but a significant testbed for assessing the Army’s preparedness in a two-front conflict scenario.
“One Border, Two Adversaries—Actually, Three”
The General underscored that India is increasingly facing a complex threat matrix, especially along its northern borders. Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support,” he said, indicating a deepening military collusion between Islamabad and Beijing.
He noted with concern that Pakistan’s military is now heavily reliant on Chinese military equipment, with nearly 81% of its current hardware being of Chinese origin. This heavy dependence is not merely logistical; it represents a broader strategic alignment that could pose a compounded threat to India’s national security.
China Used Operation Sindoor as a ‘Live Weapons Lab’
One of the more startling revelations from the General was that China allegedly used Operation Sindoor as a “live weapons lab.” Indian military intelligence has suggested that China was closely.
This revelation underscores the need for India to remain vigilant—not just to overt aggression, but also to covert experimentation and support mechanisms that can empower its adversaries without directly engaging in conflict.
Lessons in Air Defence and Civilian Protection
Reflecting on the specific tactical takeaways, Lt Gen Singh said, “Air defence and how it panned out during the entire operation was important. This time, our population centres were not quite addressed, but next time, we need to be prepared for that.”
This statement is a sobering reminder that future conflicts may directly target civilian infrastructure and urban populations—a stark departure from traditional, battlefield-centric engagements. Lt Gen Singh called for enhanced integration of civil defence systems, early warning technologies, and multi-layered air defence shields to protect vital urban areas from aerial and missile threats.
Technology, Surveillance, and Joint Operations
Operation Sindoor also highlighted the importance of integrated command structures and real-time intelligence sharing. The General stressed that future wars would be fought not just on land, sea, or air—but across multi-domain battlefields, including cyberspace, space, and the electromagnetic spectrum.
He noted, “The complexity of modern warfare requires synergy between all wings of our armed forces, as well as integration with our technological partners in the private sector. Surveillance, reconnaissance, and rapid response will be the deciding factors in any future conflict.”
Singh acknowledged that India is catching up in key areas, including drone warfare, satellite communications, and autonomous weapons systems, but called for faster indigenous development and production. He lauded initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat but warned that timelines must match the pace of evolving threats.
Emerging Doctrines and Preparedness
The Army is reportedly in the process of reconfiguring its doctrines to reflect the lessons from Operation Sindoor. One major change is the prioritization of interoperability—ensuring seamless coordination among the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Forces, as well as with external intelligence agencies and cyber defence cells.
“We cannot afford to fight tomorrow’s wars with yesterday’s tools or tactics,” Lt Gen Singh remarked. He further noted that logistics, adaptability, and speed of deployment were key to the success of Operation Sindoor and will be even more critical in the future.
A Strategic Wake-up Call
In many ways, Operation Sindoor served as a strategic wake-up call, forcing Indian defence planners to reassess long-held assumptions. While India has always prepared for a two-front war, the growing coordination between China and Pakistan adds a layer of unpredictability.
The use of dual-use technologies, drone swarms, GPS jamming, and real-time battlefield analytics by adversaries has made it imperative for India to leap ahead in innovation, not just in numbers.
Lt Gen Singh’s remarks also contained a subtle but clear message to policy-makers: Defence modernisation is no longer optional—it is existential.
Conclusion
Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh’s insights from Operation Sindoor go beyond battlefield lessons—they reflect a changing geopolitical reality. With China and Pakistan increasingly acting in concert, and with new-age technologies altering the face of war, India must be prepared for more than conventional threats.
Operation Sindoor may have concluded, but its implications will shape India’s military strategies, technological investments, and diplomatic calculations for years to come. As Lt Gen Singh rightly said, “The next conflict may not give us the luxury of preparation time. We must be ready—now.”