India’s Western Command has delivered a sharp message to Pakistan, warning that any future provocation would invite a “harsher” response as Operation Sindoor 2.0 continues.

Senior Army commanders, speaking during a high-profile Operational Capability Demonstration in Punjab’s Pathankot, underlined that India’s military preparedness is now “much larger in scale” compared to the earlier phase of Operation Sindoor.

Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, General Officer Commanding of 2 Corps, said the original Operation Sindoor, launched in May last year after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, had conveyed a “stern message” to Pakistan. The operation saw Indian Armed Forces conduct precision strikes targeting terror infrastructure across the border.

Reflecting on the earlier action, Lt Gen Pushkar stated that Pakistan had been given only a “small sample” of India’s capabilities.

“We gave Pakistan a very small example in the operation. In just four days, they were brought to their knees and called our DGMO to stop the war. That was a very small demonstration, meant as training,” he said.

He added that Operation Sindoor 2.0 is currently underway, with preparations described as “extensive.” While declining to reveal operational details, Pushkar emphasised that India remains ready to inflict damage “on land, sea, or air,” depending on the evolving situation.

Reiterating India’s long-standing stance, he said the country would not be deterred by what he described as Pakistan’s “nuclear bluff.”

“We will not be deterred. The scale of preparation this time is much larger,” he noted.

Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Command, echoed the warning. He asserted that India would “respond harsher than last time” if provoked.

“In Operation Sindoor, we targeted their terrorist bases. When they retaliated, we destroyed their military and air bases. After that, they sought a ceasefire, not just directly from us, but also through other countries,” Lt Gen Katiyar said.

He further claimed that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was attempting to prevent India from taking strong retaliatory action. “He wants to stop us from acting decisively. It’s a bluff that we must call out,” Katiyar remarked.

The remarks come amid continuing tensions between India and Pakistan, with Indian leaders repeatedly emphasising a “zero tolerance policy” towards terrorism.

Officials stressed that India’s military remains on a high state of readiness, signalling that any cross-border misadventure would be met with a stronger and more decisive retaliation.