KKN Gurugram Desk | In a powerful assertion of India’s growing military strength and strategic preparedness, Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, head of India’s Air Defence Command, has declared that “the entirety of Pakistan lies within India’s strike range.” The remarks were made during an exclusive interaction following Operation Sindoor, a military action that has drawn significant attention across South Asia.

Lt. Gen. D’Cunha’s comment, “We can fight Pakistan in depth, across its entire territory,” underscores India’s expanded capacity to launch deep-strike operations well beyond the Line of Control, reaching key strategic and military installations inside Pakistan.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Latest Military Assertion

Operation Sindoor was launched in the wake of escalating security threats along the western front. It involved precise strikes on Pakistani airbases, logistics nodes, and suspected drone launch points. The operation, though not officially termed as a war, displayed India’s intent and preparedness for deep counteroffensive strategies.

According to military sources, the mission was a response to recent attempts by Pakistan-backed militants and drone incursions targeting sensitive Indian installations in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

Lt. Gen. D’Cunha: “We Have the Weapons, We Have the Will”

In the interview with ANI, Lt. Gen. D’Cunha emphasized the Indian Armed Forces’ offensive and defensive readiness:

“Even if Pakistan relocates its General Headquarters from Rawalpindi to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, they are still within our range. We are not constrained by borders. The entire nation of Pakistan is within the operational radius of Indian missiles and aerial capabilities.”

He further stated:

“From large military targets to small command nodes — wherever they may be — we have the means to destroy them. Whether they are close to the border or deep inside Pakistani territory, our forces are equipped to respond.”

Air Defence Modernization and Strategic Depth

Under the leadership of officers like D’Cunha, the Indian Air Defence Command has undergone considerable modernization. India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) systems, integrated radar networks, and indigenous missile platforms like Agni, Prithvi, BrahMos, and Akash have significantly enhanced strategic reach.

With S-400 Triumf systems already deployed and indigenous programs like DRDO’s XRSAM in the pipeline, India has created a multi-layered shield against incoming threats, including UAVs and cruise missiles.

A Show of Strategic Deterrence

Operation Sindoor served as more than a tactical military engagement — it was a demonstration of strategic deterrence. Military analysts believe this was India’s answer to Pakistan’s proxy warfare and asymmetric tactics, particularly the usage of:

• Armed drones from across the border

• Sleeper cells in northern states

• Information warfare campaigns online

By striking at drone hubs and suspected control centers, India showcased not just reaction but preemptive capability.

“Sovereignty is Our First Duty” – National Security Comes First

Speaking further, Lt. Gen. D’Cunha highlighted the Indian military’s primary mission:

“Our foremost responsibility is to defend the sovereignty of the nation and the safety of our citizens. And in that, we are fully prepared — both in defensive posture and in striking back when necessary.”

His remarks align with India’s current military doctrine that encourages proactive and pre-emptive action, particularly in dealing with non-conventional warfare.

Geopolitical Context: A Response to Hybrid Warfare

The Indian military has increasingly faced hybrid warfare challenges — a mix of cyber attacks, drone surveillance, infiltration, and psychological operations — primarily originating from Pakistan. In such a scenario, Operation Sindoor emerges as a multi-domain response, blending:

• Kinetic power (missile and air strikes)

• Electronic warfare capabilities

• Psychological messaging

• Cyber intelligence intercepts

This integrated approach is part of India’s evolving “Integrated Battle Groups (IBG)” strategy, where rapid deployment, coordination between forces, and swift retaliation are critical.

Public and International Reaction

The Indian public, including retired military personnel and strategic analysts, has largely supported the military’s bold move. On social media and defence forums, many have lauded the clarity in messaging and operational precision.

On the international stage, reactions have been measured. While NATO and UN observers have maintained a neutral stance, Indian officials are in communication with key allies to ensure that the messaging remains firm but not escalatory.

Lessons from Operation Sindoor

1. Precision warfare is India’s new normal: Modern Indian operations are no longer restricted to border skirmishes but involve deep strikes with minimal collateral.

2. Missile supremacy as a deterrent: With full-spectrum strike capability, India signals a high threshold of retaliation.

3. Shift from reactive to proactive defence: Indian forces are being trained and equipped not just to defend, but to dominate strategically.

4. Public confidence in defence forces: Clear communication from high-ranking officers like Lt. Gen. D’Cunha builds trust in India’s military leadership.

Lt. Gen. Sumer Ivan D’Cunha’s revelations and Operation Sindoor’s execution reflect a new era in India’s defence doctrine — one that combines technological edge, tactical clarity, and strategic boldness.

By publicly asserting that “all of Pakistan is within reach”, the Indian Armed Forces are sending a clear message: any hostile act will be met with comprehensive, calculated, and crushing retaliation — anywhere, anytime.