Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi took a subtle dig at Pakistan while discussing how countries control public opinion during conflicts. He referred to Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir’s promotion to Field Marshal in May, linking it to the nation’s claims about Operation Sindoor.

Mocking Pakistan’s “Victory” Claim

Speaking on August 4, General Dwivedi said that Pakistan often measures its success in the India-Pakistan conflict through symbolic gestures like Munir’s promotion.

“Victory is in mind… it’s always in mind… you ask a Pakistani whether you lost or won, he will say my chief has become field marshal so we must have won only,” Dwivedi remarked. He pointed out how narrative management can influence domestic, adversary, and neutral populations.

India’s Strategic Messaging During Operation Sindoor

General Dwivedi explained that India has made strong efforts to take control of the narrative using social media. He highlighted the success of India’s messaging, saying, “The strategic messaging was very important, so the first messaging we did ‘Justice done: Op Sindoor,’ that hit the maximum… the number of hits which it received.”

Pakistan’s Justification for Munir’s Promotion

In May, Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office announced Munir’s promotion, claiming it was for “ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy.” However, India insists Pakistan sought a ceasefire due to heavy losses under Operation Sindoor. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had earlier said, “Claiming victory is an old habit. They did the same in 1971, 1975 and 1999 Kargil War as well.”

Air Force Chief Reveals Damage to Pakistan’s Defences

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh recently stated that India inflicted significant damage to Pakistan’s air defence systems in just 80 to 90 hours of fighting. “It was clear to them that if they continue, they are going to pay for it more and more,” he said. Singh also revealed that India downed five Pakistani fighter jets during the conflict.