Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi delivered a blunt warning to Pakistan on Friday, saying India would not continue the restraint shown during Operation Sindoor and would respond with far greater force if cross-border terrorism does not stop.

“We will wipe out Pakistan from the face of the earth if they don’t stop terrorism. Be prepared, God willing, the opportunity will come soon,” General Dwivedi declared while addressing troops at the Army cantonment in Village 22 MD, Ghadsana, Sriganganagar. He added, “Our next response would be decisive and far more destructive against Pakistan.”

The Army Chief urged Pakistan to abandon any policy of supporting terrorism if it wishes to remain a viable member of the international community. “This time, India will take such strong action that Pakistan will have to reconsider whether it wants to remain on this geographical map,” he said.

Recalling Operation Sindoor—launched after the Pahalgam terror attack—General Dwivedi described it as a turning point. He said the Indian Army destroyed nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir during the operation and estimated that more than 100 terrorists were killed. “Seven targets were destroyed by the Army and two by the Air Force,” he noted.

The Army Chief said the operation—named by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and dedicated to women—has become an enduring part of the armed forces’ legacy. “Operation Sindoor has become such an integral part of our lives that it will stay with us forever,” he said, adding that India had presented clear evidence of the destroyed terror camps to the world to prevent the truth from being obscured.

General Dwivedi also used the occasion to honour personnel for their roles in Operation Sindoor, recognising Commandant Prabhakar Singh (140th Battalion, BSF), Major Ritesh Kumar (Rajputana Rifles) and Havildar Mohit Gera. “These men represent the courage and determination of the Indian Armed Forces,” he said, urging all soldiers to remain vigilant and ready for future challenges.