Army unfazed by nuclear threats, ready for future conflict: Western Command Chief

Pathankot, Feb 26: The Army is fully prepared for future contingencies and will not be deterred by nuclear threats, Western Command chief Lt General Manoj Kumar Katiyar said on Thursday, asserting that any future conflict would see decisive outcome on the ground.

Addressing troops after an investiture ceremony at Dhyan Singh Stadium in the Mamoon Military Station, the Army commander said during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan desperately sought a ceasefire while simultaneously issuing nuclear threats.

"They said if they go down, they will take half the world with them. During Operation Sindoor, we ignored their nuclear threats. This time, we are better prepared as compared to the past, with a clear future plan," he said.

Lt General Katiyar accused Pakistan's military leadership of perpetuating a "war-like situation" with India to remain relevant among its people.

"While our leadership is committed to the betterment of the country and its people, their leadership and Army generals are only driven by selfish needs - retaining power and remaining relevant. For this purpose, they seek to prolong a war-like situation with India," Katiyar said.

He asserted that Pakistan had neither the courage, nor the strength to take on India in open combat, and resorted to proxy warfare to provoke a response.

"Pakistan has repeatedly provoked India through their terrorist outfits, so that when we retaliate, it escalates into a war-like situation and they garner support from their people," the Army commander said.

Lt General Katiyar stressed that future success would not be limited to destroying bases or posts. "This time, we will not limit our victory to destroying base stations and posts alone; our victory will be on the ground. It will be so decisive that they will be brought to their knees and will have to accept their defeat before the world," he said.

Underscoring the role of formations under the Western Command, he told troops that their position and preparedness would be critical in achieving decisive objectives during future action.

"You must have the courage to enter enemy territory, seize important areas and inflict injuries. Your success in the next operation will make the country proud," he said.

Addressing troops during an operational demonstration organised on a training field, the Army commander said the decision to honour units in a field environment, rather than a conventional hall, reflected the Army's focus on combat readiness.

PTI