Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, on Tuesday, highlighted the growing synergy among India’s armed forces, stating that Operation Sindoor demonstrated how the Army, Navy, and Air Force can operate cohesively without requiring major structural reforms.
Speaking at the Army War College in Mhow during the ‘Ran Samvad’ series, Singh said, “Operation Sindoor is a perfect example that we can operate strongly together. What we do need is a joint planning and coordination centre in Delhi.”
In a fireside chat with retired Lt Gen Raj Shukla, attended by veterans, officers, and media representatives, Singh shared insights on command structures, modern warfare, and the expanding role of air power.
The IAF Chief underlined how perceptions of air power have transformed over the years. “Earlier, deploying the Air Force in a conflict was seen as an escalation. Today, air power has assumed a primary role in warfare. We are employing it offensively, and this role will only grow further,” he noted.
Calling for preparedness against emerging challenges, Singh remarked, “We have to be ready for tomorrow. Operation Sindoor has taken us from learning to preparedness.”
He also cautioned against an overreliance on technology. “Just manufacturing drones is not enough. Other domains are equally important. At the end of the day, we have always relied on a man in the cockpit,” he stressed.
Drawing lessons from Operation Sindoor, Singh emphasized the importance of clarity in conflict objectives. “In any warfare, mission selection is critical. You must know where to stop once the goal is achieved. Why continue beyond that point?”
Reflecting on India’s evolving strategic outlook, he said, “Earlier, we would say we are peace-loving and cannot be offensive. But times have changed.”
The opening day of ‘Ran Samvad 2025’ featured participation from senior Army, Navy, and Air Force officials, who assessed global conflicts and deliberated on India’s future strategies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to address the tri-services conference on Wednesday, the second day of the event.
