'Taking Back PoK Wasn't Operation Sindoor's Aim': Ex-DGMO Anil Bhatt, Stresses 'War Should Be Last Option'

Lt Gen Bhatt (Retd.) also stressed that war should be the last option and should not be waged since India had achieved its strategic aims.

Former Director General of Military Operation Anil Kumar Bhatt.

Source : X@ANI

Former Director General of Military Operation Anil Kumar Bhatt on Thursday stated that the aim of Operation Sindoor was not to take back Pakistan occupied Kashmir as he stressed that war should be the last option and should not be waged since India had achieved its strategic aims.

"War or taking back Pak-occupied Kashmir should be a war of choice taken by a decision. That is not the aim of Operation Sindoor," Bhatt, who oversaw the Doklam crisis, said.

Lt Gen Bhatt also underscored the significant role played by drones in modern warfare, marking a shift in the manner in which future military conflicts may be conducted. He highlighted India's strategic shift towards multi-domain warfare saying that drones, along with space and cyberspace, will write the new paradigm of future military conflicts.

In an interview with news agency PTI, retired Lt. Gen. Anil Kumar Bhatt expressed his displeasure at suggestions of prolonged conflict by several people on social media. He also slammed war-mongers who were unhappy with the conflict ending in four days on the grounds, and who saw it as an opportunity to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"War is a very very serious business, a nation goes for it when all possible options are over," the Ex-DGMO Bhatt added.

This comes as Islamabad said the India-Pakistan arrangement on stopping the military actions has been extended till May 18. 

"When the DGMOs spoke again on May 12, the ceasefire was extended until May 14. Further talks on May 14 led to the ceasefire being extended until May 18," the Pakistan foreign minister was quoted as saying by Geo News.

Following this, the Indian Army stated on Thursday that it will pursue confidence building measures to reduce the "alertness level" in line with the May 10 understanding on ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

"Further to the understanding between the two DGMOs on 10th of May 2025, it has been decided to continue the confidence building measures so as to reduce the alertness level," the Indian Army said, adding "As the situation develops further, we shall intimate you."

After four intense days of heavy exchanges between Indian and Pakistani forces, the DGMOs from both countries reached an agreement on May 10 to halt military actions. The decision came amid rising concerns that the situation could escalate into a wider conflict.