India-Pakistan war: Indian Army Deputy Chief of Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance) Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh has made a striking revelation, alleging that China provided Pakistan with real-time intelligence, including India’s live vector positions, during Operation Sindoor, exposing a deepening strategic nexus between Beijing and Islamabad.
China-Pakistan nexus during Operation Sindoor
Speaking at a defence conference, Lt Gen Singh claimed that China actively aided Pakistan during the conflict, not only in terms of equipment but also in military coordination. He asserted, “Pakistan was on the front, but China was supporting them with all possible means. During DGMO-level talks, Pakistan had live updates of our vector positions courtesy of China.”
According to Singh, a staggering 81 per cent of Pakistan’s military hardware is Chinese, which allows Beijing to test its weapons in live conflict scenarios through its ally. “China is using Pakistan like a live weapons laboratory,” he said, suggesting that Chinese military gear is effectively field-tested in real-time during such operations against India.
India need robust air defence system
Highlighting the importance of air defence in modern conflict, Singh stressed that though Indian population centres were not the primary targets this time, future scenarios might be different. “We had one border and two adversaries, actually three,” Singh warned, referencing China, Pakistan, and external players like Turkey.
He underscored the urgent need for a robust and integrated air defence system, stating that evolving threats require India to be prepared across the entire spectrum of modern warfare from trench combat to cyber and information warfare.
The Deputy Chief outlined the nature of five generations of warfare, all of which India must be prepared for simultaneously. “We’re facing artillery duels, manoeuvristic battles, and even asymmetric threats from non-state actors. India must be ready for all generations of war simultaneously,” he said.
He added that India must evolve from the days of “absorbing pain” and respond with clarity, agility, and unambiguous strategic messaging.
Lessons from Operation Sindoor
Sharing key operational insights, Singh revealed that 21 targets were identified during Operation Sindoor, of which nine were carefully selected for engagement. “The final decision to hit those targets came in the last hour. It was a tri-services decision—a calculated, strategic move,” he said.
He also lauded India’s leadership for controlling escalation and ending the operation at a time when military objectives had been achieved. “War is easy to start, but very difficult to control. The decision to end it when we did was a masterstroke,” Singh noted.