Go ahead: Ex-CDS recalls approving Sargodha strike after Pakistan sought talks
· India · India Today, Times of India
Former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has disclosed that India approved fresh strikes on Pakistani military targets during Operation Sindoor even after Islamabad reached out for talks, speaking at a Vivekananda International Foundation event in New Delhi. He said that when Pakistan contacted India seeking talks at around 10 AM, the Air Chief asked whether the Indian Air Force should strike Sargodha, and he responded, "Go ahead." Chauhan then asked the Air Chief to identify two more targets; Skardu was selected, but bad weather forced a switch to Bholari. He also revealed that one principle built into India's escalation matrix was that Pakistan would not be allowed to deliver the final strike. On tactics, Chauhan said the armed forces deliberately chose to exploit lower airspace during Operation Sindoor, describing it as a "third option" distinct from the land-based response after the Uri attack and the large air package used after Pulwama. The full text of his remarks on t
Why it matters
The disclosure offers the most detailed public account yet of India's internal military decision-making during Operation Sindoor, showing New Delhi was willing to expand strikes even while Pakistan was asking for de-escalation, which shapes how both countries calibrate force in any future standoff.
Read the original report — India Today
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