India’s Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi has addressed Pakistan’s claims of victory in Operation Sindoor, likening the strategic military action to a high-stakes chess match that involved deep planning and unconventional tactics. He emphasized the concept of “narrative management,” stating that victory is often perceived in the mind, citing how Pakistan’s narrative suggests triumph through the promotion of its army chief to field marshal. The operation, which was a response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April, marked a significant shift as India launched strikes deep into Pakistan, targeting key terror infrastructure, which had not been done previously. Gen Dwivedi highlighted the confidence provided by the Indian government, allowing the armed forces to take decisive action, and predicted future conflicts would be characterized by diffuse, ongoing operations without clear battlefronts. He also pointed to the military’s collaboration with advanced institutions like IITs to enhance capabilities in various technological domains, showcasing India’s commitment to modernizing its defense strategy. Overall, Dwivedi’s remarks underline a new era of proactive military engagement aimed at deterring terrorism and reinforcing India’s defense posture.