'Sabka Malik Ek Hai': Army Chief Explains Why India Paused Strikes On Pakistan Terror Hubs During Namaz

Last Updated:April 10, 2026, 17:24 IST

According to General Dwivedi, commanders made a conscious decision to monitor the daily schedules of the targets on the other side of the border during Operation Sindoor

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi provided a rare and compelling insight on Thursday into the ethical framework governing India’s recent cross-border military actions. Speaking at the Ran Samvad forum in Bengaluru, the General revealed that during Operation Sindoor—the massive multi-domain offensive launched last year—Indian forces deliberately paused their strikes to avoid hitting terror hubs during prayer hours.

The revelation, observers say, underscores a unique “strategic restraint" that balanced lethal military precision with a humanitarian and spiritual code, even when dealing with enemy launchpads.

Why was the timing of Operation Sindoor so significant?

According to General Dwivedi, the Indian military possessed the flexibility to strike at any hour of the day, whether it was 2 am or 4 pm. However, commanders made a conscious decision to monitor the daily schedules of the targets on the other side of the border. The General explained that the forces held back specifically during the times when those at the terrorist camps would be offering Namaz (prayers).

Explaining the philosophy behind this restraint, the Army Chief stated, “Sabka Malik Ek Hai" (There is one God for all). He noted that the Indian military chose to act at times when they knew prayers were not taking place, ensuring that the operation was viewed as a strike against terror rather than an affront to religious practices. This deliberate timing was intended to maintain the ethical high ground while fulfilling the mission’s objective of dismantling terror infrastructure.

What was the objective of Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor was launched in May 2025 as a direct retaliatory response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 people, primarily tourists. The Indian response was a milestone in modern warfare, demonstrating “domain jointness" where the Army, Navy, and Air Force operated in a seamless, integrated manner.

The operation successfully targeted and destroyed multiple terror launchpads and training sites across the border and within Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). General Dwivedi described it as a “defining case study" for the Indian Armed Forces, as it utilised not only kinetic force—such as the naval strike group led by INS Vikrant—but also sophisticated cyber and electronic warfare to disrupt enemy communications.

How did information warfare play a role?

A notable aspect of the General’s address was the emphasis on the “non-kinetic" battlefield. He revealed that roughly 15 per cent of the total operational effort during Operation Sindoor was dedicated to managing disinformation campaigns. In the wake of the strikes, India faced a barrage of hybrid threats, including swarm drone attacks and a surge in online propaganda intended to incite communal unrest.

In response to these challenges, the Indian Army has since established a dedicated information warfare organisation and a psychological defence division. General Dwivedi cautioned that future conflicts would increasingly be fought in this “grey zone", where adversaries aim to exploit vulnerabilities below the threshold of conventional war.

What was the eventual outcome of the confrontation?

The military escalation following Operation Sindoor lasted several days, bringing the two nations to the brink of a larger conflict. However, as losses mounted, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) reached out to his Indian counterpart. Both nations eventually agreed to a total cessation of hostilities across land, air, and sea, which became effective on May 10, 2025.

The Army Chief concluded that while technological advancements are essential, human decision-making and ethical judgment remain at the core of India’s military doctrine. Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to India’s ability to execute a high-intensity, multi-domain offensive while adhering to a strict code of conduct that respects the sanctity of prayer, even in the heart of a conflict zone.

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