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At IIT Madras, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval talked about Operation Sindoor. It was a big military win that showed how good India is at strategy and using its own tech. Indian forces hit Pakistan’s terror setup hard and proved that some foreign news reports were wrong. India used stuff it made itself, like the BrahMos missile and Akash air defense system, to protect the country. That set a high bar for being self-sufficient in defense. Let’s dig into Operation Sindoor, what homegrown tech did, why artificial intelligence (AI) matters in war, and what this all means for India’s defense plans.
What Led to Operation Sindoor
The Pahalgam terror attack made India launch Operation Sindoor; India had to hit back hard. On May 7, Indian forces bombed nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The idea was to wreck terror groups operating across the border. It made it clear that India isn’t going to put up with threats to its safety.
Things got hotter when Pakistan struck back. The Indian Air Force (IAF) then launched a second set of strikes on May 9 and 10, targeting Pakistani Air Force bases all over the country, including places like Sargodha and Chaklala. The IAF, with help from other forces, did a great job of crippling Pakistan’s Chinese-supported air defenses and stopping them from launching planes. Doval said that the whole thing took just 23 minutes, which proves how efficient and well-planned India’s military is.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval Calls Out Foreign Media
Doval didn’t hold back when he talked about how foreign media portrayed Operation Sindoor. He said that they claimed Pakistani strikes damaged Indian stuff and asked them for one photo or any proof. Doval said the media only showed damage to 13 Pakistani air bases and no damage to India.
He was getting at a bigger issue: that some foreign media outlets are biased when they talk about India’s military actions. Doval said that some international news pushes a story that isn’t true. He said it’s important to look at the facts and not believe biased news. People agreed with him, and it showed that India is serious about being open and honest about its defense operations.
How Homegrown Tech Helped in Operation Sindoor
One of the coolest things about Operation Sindoor was how well India’s own defense tech worked. Doval was proud of how these systems performed under pressure. The BrahMos missile, which India and Russia worked on together (but India put a lot into), was key. About 15 BrahMos missiles hit Pakistani Air Force bases, messing up their ability to fight.
The Akash missile system also stopped Pakistani drone attacks. This air defense system, made in India, showed how reliable it is, proving that India is a big player in defense tech. Doval also gave props to the air control system and radar systems, which helped India hit terror sites deep inside Pakistan, far from the border.
The success of these systems means it’s important to be self-sufficient in making defense equipment. If India doesn’t have to rely on other countries for tech, it can better protect itself and make sure its defense stuff fits its needs. Doval’s speech at IIT Madras was a shout-out to young engineers and scientists to help build up India’s defense industry.
How Precise Operation Sindoor Was
Operation Sindoor was a textbook example of military accuracy. The IAF strikes targeted terror setups and air bases, avoided hurting innocent people or property, and caused big damage. Doval said that the operation hit nine terror targets in Pakistan with pinpoint accuracy. He said that they knew exactly who was where because of good intelligence.
The operation was quick; it only took 23 minutes. This was possible because the IAF, other forces, and intelligence agencies worked together perfectly. They used high-tech stuff like real-time surveillance and command systems to make sure the operation went off without a hitch. Operation Sindoor stopped threats and sent a message to anyone thinking of messing with India.
AI: A Big Deal in Modern War
Doval said that artificial intelligence (AI) could change everything about defense and other things. He thinks AI will change the world fast and that things will look very different soon. He mentioned that AI can be used in defense, robotics, medicine, finance, and research.
When it comes to defense, AI could change how wars are fought. It can make soldiers more aware of what’s going on and robots that can fight on their own. Doval wants India to focus on AI and be a leader in this area. By investing in AI tech, India can beef up its defenses and stay ahead of the curve.
AI probably played a role in Operation Sindoor, maybe in finding targets or planning missions. As India gets better at AI, it will likely use it even more in future operations to make its military even stronger.
What Operation Sindoor Means for India’s Defense
Operation Sindoor isn’t just a military win; it shows that India is becoming a major global power. The operation showed that India can strike back hard when threatened and that its tech is getting better all the time. By using its own systems like the BrahMos and Akash missiles, India proved that it can make top-notch defense tech that can handle modern warfare.
The operation showed that it’s important to have a strong defense industry that includes research, development, and manufacturing. Doval wants India to invest more in homegrown tech, which fits with India’s plan to promote local manufacturing. By encouraging new ideas and being self-reliant, India can depend less on foreign suppliers and make sure its defenses are ready for anything.
Operation Sindoor also showed that India needs to be smart and use intelligence to protect itself. The operation was fast and accurate because of good intelligence and surveillance, which allowed India to stay ahead of its enemies. This will be important as India deals with a complicated world.
What’s Next: Making India a Tech Powerhouse
Doval’s speech at IIT Madras wasn’t just about Operation Sindoor; it was about India’s future. He wants India to focus on AI and homegrown tech to become a leader in innovation and defense. He was calling on young engineers and scientists to help India grow technologically and build a safe and successful future.
The success of Operation Sindoor should encourage young people in India to study science, tech, engineering, and math. By supporting new ideas and research, India can keep inventing new tech to solve problems at home and around the world. Schools like IIT Madras, which have a history of producing great talent, will be important in this effort.
Detailed Summary Table: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Operation Sindoor and India’s Strategic Defence Posture
| Topic | Key Details | Insights & Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Operation Sindoor Overview | Conducted on the night of May 9–10, 2025 | Precision Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on nine terrorist and air force targets deep inside Pakistan |
| Duration and Precision | 23-minute mission starting at 1:05 am | Strikes were targeted, avoiding civilian or unrelated infrastructure; zero collateral damage claimed |
| Targeted Areas | Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, Chaklala, Nur Khan, and others | Deep-lying air bases in Pakistan were hit, not limited to border areas |
| Weapons Deployed | Around 15 BrahMos cruise missiles; Akash SAM systems | Showcased advanced indigenous weaponry and strategic deterrence capabilities |
| Foreign Media Criticism | Ajit Doval challenged Western media for “biased reporting” | Asserted that no Indian infrastructure was hit and foreign reports failed to show any evidence of Indian damage |
| Quote from Doval | “You tell me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage to any Indian (structure), even a glass pane…” | Highlighted India’s operational success and narrative control |
| Crippling Pakistan’s Air Defence | Chinese-supported systems were reportedly neutralized | Signaled India’s capacity to take down modern air defense systems with indigenous tech |
| Use of Indigenous Defence Technology | BrahMos, Akash missiles, radar systems, integrated air command | India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in defence validated through success in real combat |
| Artificial Intelligence in Defence | National Security Advisor called AI a “game changer” for national security | Urged India to prioritize AI, machine learning, LLMs for leadership in tech and defense |
| Outcome of Conflict | Ceasefire achieved after significant Indian counter-strike | DGMOs of India and Pakistan agreed to a halt in hostilities after India’s successful retaliation |
| Trigger for Operation Sindoor | Pahalgam terror attack | Operation was India’s “befitting reply” to continued cross-border terrorism |
| Role of Akash System | Countered drone threats from Pakistan effectively | Protected Indian military assets; showed efficacy of Indian air defense systems |
In Conclusion: A Win for Strategy and Self-Reliance
Operation Sindoor is a big moment in India’s defense history. It proved that India can carry out complicated military operations accurately and use its own tech to achieve its goals. Doval’s speech at IIT Madras showed how successful the operation was and called out wrong reports in foreign media, which proves the importance of sticking to the facts.
As India looks forward, it will use the lessons from Operation Sindoor to guide its defense plans. By investing in AI, homegrown tech, and a strong defense industry, India can strengthen its position as a global power. The operation’s success shows that with hard work, new ideas, and a clear plan, India can overcome anything and come out even stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Operation Sindoor and India’s Strategic Response
What is Operation Sindoor and why was it launched?
Operation Sindoor was a strategic Indian military operation conducted in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Launched by the Indian Armed Forces, it aimed to deliver a precise and powerful retaliation against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The first wave of strikes occurred on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terror bases.
What happened during the night of May 9–10, 2025?
On the intervening night of May 9 and 10, India launched a second wave of air strikes targeting major Pakistan Air Force bases. According to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Indian Air Force, with support from other armed units, crippled Pakistani airbases and Chinese-supported air defense systems. The entire operation was executed in just 23 minutes.
How many missiles were used during Operation Sindoor?
India reportedly deployed 15 BrahMos cruise missiles during the second wave of the operation. These precision-guided missiles targeted strategic air bases and military installations to disable Pakistan’s ability to retaliate effectively.
Which Pakistani locations were hit by the Indian Air Force?
The operation targeted major Pakistani airbases including those in Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, Chaklala, and Nur Khan. National Security Advisor Doval confirmed that the strikes were deep inside Pakistan, not limited to the border areas, and each target was selected with high-level intelligence accuracy.
Was there any damage to Indian territory from Pakistan’s response?
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval challenged foreign media to present any image showing damage to Indian infrastructure, stating, “Show me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage to any Indian (structure), even a glass pane having been broken.” He asserted that no damage occurred on the Indian side, highlighting the ineffectiveness of Pakistan’s response.
What role did indigenous technology play in Operation Sindoor?
Ajit Doval emphasized that the operation showcased India’s growing self-reliance in defense. Indigenous systems such as BrahMos missiles, Akash surface-to-air missile systems, radars, and the integrated air control and command system were used effectively. He stated that India must continue to invest in developing home-grown military technology.
How did India counter Pakistan’s drone threats?
India used its Akash air defense system, an indigenously developed surface-to-air missile platform, to intercept and thwart Pakistani drones targeting Indian installations. The success of this system under live threat conditions reinforced its strategic value.
What was National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s criticism of the foreign media?
Ajit Doval criticized international media for allegedly biased reporting and for failing to present credible evidence of Indian damage. He argued that foreign outlets focused on Pakistan’s narrative while ignoring satellite imagery that confirmed Indian precision and success.
How did the conflict conclude?
Following the series of Indian strikes, including the destruction of nine terror camps and major air force bases in Pakistan, a cessation of hostilities was agreed upon between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both India and Pakistan. This mutual pause in aggression followed India’s clear tactical and strategic upper hand.
What did Ajit Doval say about Artificial Intelligence?
Ajit Doval described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a “game changer” and urged India to make it a national focal point for research and development. He highlighted AI’s transformative potential in fields such as defense, robotics, medicine, finance, and more. He stressed the need to build indigenous AI tools for strategic dominance in the future.