Special strike forces ready to shock enemy, this is the new normal, says Army Chief Dwivedi

The Army Chief further revealed that nine high-value terrorist targets were neutralised inside Pakistan with zero collateral damage.

The Indian Army's surgical strikes under Operation Sindoor were a “decisive and surgical” response to terrorism and a powerful message to Pakistan, reasserted Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday.

Speaking at the Kargil War Memorial on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, he underlined that India’s new military doctrine is characterised by swift, bold action against any threat to national sovereignty.

“Operation Sindoor was not just a reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack, which deeply hurt the entire nation, but a clear message to Pakistan, those who support terrorism will not be spared,” General Dwivedi said.

He further revealed that nine high-value terrorist targets were neutralised inside Pakistan with zero collateral damage. “India attained a decisive victory by effectively targeting terror infrastructure and foiling future hostile designs,” he noted.

#WATCH | Dras, Kargil | Addressing the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi says, "The forces that are conspiring to harm India's sovereignty, integrity and people, will be given a befitting reply in the future too, this is the new normal… pic.twitter.com/EeETvgBVAM

— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025

The Army Chief also lauded India’s air defence response during Pakistan’s cross-border military aggression on May 8 and 9.

“Our air defence stood like an impregnable wall. No missile or drone could breach our defences,” he said, underlining the growing might of India's armed forces on the global stage.

Furthermore, General Dwivedi announced the formation of the Rudra Brigade, a new, integrated combat unit comprising mechanised infantry, armoured corps, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). In addition, a Bhairav Light Commando Unit has been raised to deliver swift, unexpected countermeasures along the border, he stated.

“Special strike forces have been formed to always be ready to shock the enemy. This is the new normal for India,” he asserted.

The army chief, highlighting the integration of advanced technology, said that every infantry battalion now has a dedicated drone platoon, and artillery regiments are being upgraded with drone capabilities, counter-drone warfare tools, and loitering munitions.

A new Shaktiban Artillery Regiment has also been raised to support this transformation, said the General.

“Our goal is to become a developed, modern and futuristic power. The Army is completely prepared to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said.

Reaffirming the Army’s commitment to indigenisation, the Army Chief said that India’s air defence systems are being upgraded with home-grown missile technology.

He also stressed the Army’s developmental role in border areas, such as Ladakh. “The armed forces are not just defenders of the nation, but also key contributors to development in remote regions,” he noted.

Paying tribute to the heroes of the Kargil War, General Dwivedi said, “The nation is secure today because of the bravery of those who laid down their lives at the icy heights. We salute our fallen heroes who ensured we live in peace and dignity.”

Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence at last year’s silver jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas, he described it as a reaffirmation that the day is “not just an Army event, but a national festival.”