Pathankot (Punjab) [India], February 26 (ANI): General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Command, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, on Thursday declared that India will no longer be deterred by Pakistan's 'nuclear bluff', adding that India's response will be harsher and stronger than what was witnessed last time.

Speaking at a specialised investiture ceremony in Pathankot, the General made it clear that the Indian Army's tactical mindset has shifted from retaliatory strikes to achieving 'decisive victory on the ground,' highlighting the Western Command's success in 'Operation Sindoor.'

'In Operation Sindoor, we attacked all their (Pakistan) terrorist bases...After that, they retaliated, and in response, we destroyed their military bases and air bases. They then demanded a ceasefire, and not just directly from us, but also from other countries, asking for a ceasefire with India. They cannot fight us...The response will be stronger than what we have done in Operation Sindoor...But we are very sure that we have to respond harsher than we did last time,' he said.

'This operational demonstration is not just a celebration of our victory in Operation Sindoor; it is a display of preparation. The danger is not yet averted, and this time the enemy will face a blow even harder than before,' he added.

Addressing the recurring threats of nuclear escalation from across the border, Lt Gen Katiyar dismissed them as a 'bluff' born out of weakness.

'He (Shehbaz Sharif) wants to prevent us from taking any strong action... It's a kind of bluff he's doing, which we have to call out. We will not be deterred by his nuclear bluff,' the General stated firmly.

The General warned that while India seeks peace, the military leadership in Pakistan thrives on conflict to maintain its own relevance. He cautioned that the danger has not averted and that the next blow will be 'harder than before.'

'This time it will not be limited to destroying terrorist bases or airbases,' he said. 'The victory will be such that they will have to kneel and accept defeat before the world.'

The ceremony served as a tribute to the units that excelled during the past year, specifically those involved in 'Operation Sindoor'--a mission the General described as a lesson to the neighbour for its 'misadventures.'

Lt Gen Katiyar highlighted technological self-reliance, especially in drone production and integration, and emphasised the importance of continuous training for soldiers.

While highlighting 100% equipment readiness and drone integration, Lt Gen Katiyar emphasised that the Indian Jawan remains the most important factor. He invoked the ideology of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stating that the Indian spirit, like the legendary Maratha ruler's sword, does not bend before anyone.

Following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian military carried out precise strikes on nine major terror launchpads operated by Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

In retaliation, Pakistan launched a series of drone and missile attacks on Indian cities on the nights of May 7, 8, and 9, 2025. (ANI)