The Indian Army has issued a pointed warning to Islamabad, announcing that any military response to state-sponsored terrorism is no longer limited to surgical strikes on terror camps in a move that marks a sharp escalation of rhetoric. The warning comes as tensions rise markedly in the wake of the attack at Pahalgam in 2025 and Operation Sindoor since.
Speaking at the Investiture Ceremony in Pathankot on Thursday, February 26, 2026, Western Army Commander Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar declared that India’s strategic patience is at an end. “This time, war will not be confined to terror camps but to their land,” the General said, implying that it could move into traditional ground action if provocations persist. “Sindoor was Just a Trailer.”
The Commander’s comments are indicative of the new, harsher defense doctrine now being applied by New Delhi. Looking back at the 88-hour-long fight in May of 2025, also known as Operation Sindoor, Lt. Gen. Katiyar said that although the operation was meant to destroy nine major terror launchpads, any future “Sindoor 2.0” would be significantly more decisive.
- Past Examples: The LeT and JeM infrastructure was targeted by India during Operation Sindoor. When Pakistan tried to respond, India countered with the neutralization of multiple Pakistani military and air bases, including the Nur Khan airbase.
- The change: The Army has made clear that it will no longer distinguish between the “non-state actors” and “state sponsors.” Because of the new mandate, Pakistani military installations and sovereign territory are now legitimate targets in the context of terrorism.
Calling it the "Nuclear Bluff"
Responding to the threat of a traditional tactic by Pakistan using its nuclear arsenal as an incentive to prevent an attack from India by conventional means, Lt. Gen. Katiyar dismissed the threats as a "bogey."
"Pakistan plays the nuclear card only as a bluff against us to get us to not take action. Well, we must label this bluff. Indian spirit doesn't bow down to anyone," he said with a nod to the legend of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Security Situation in 2026
The warning comes at a critical time. In recent days, intelligence reports have surfaced on Saifullah Kasuri, the deputy chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba, who allegedly threatened 26/11-style maritime attacks for later this year.
- Active Surveillance: Indian Army states that it currently monitors eight active terror camps across the Line of Control (LoC).
- Technological Edge: The Western Command stated that India has reached 100% equipment readiness, as well as full drone integration, to counter infiltrators’ “asymmetric” tactics.
