Katiyar urged his military commanders to prioritize training across all ranks and ensure maximum troop availability within units by shifting focus away from administrative and ceremonial duties toward operational preparedness.Addressing troops of the Western Command near the international Border after an investiture ceremony, Lt Gen Katiyar also said that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan resorted to nuclear posturing and sought intervention from its “handlers” to press for a ceasefire. He asserted that such tactics would not provide Islamabad similar leverage in any future confrontation.Congratulating all units of the Western Command for their performance during Operation Sindoor, Gen Katiyar said that the operation had delivered a “befitting reply” to Pakistan’s adventurism last year. “If they repeat such misadventures, the consequences will be far more dangerous,” he warned, crediting the courage and operational preparedness of Western Command units for the success.Referring to the operational demonstration conducted during the ceremony, notably held for the first time at a battle demonstration ground near the border instead of a closed-door auditorium, the Army commander said the event was not just a celebration of victory but also a reminder that the threat had not passed.“We must prepare even more. This time, the enemy must be dealt a heavier blow,” he said. Drawing historical parallels, he remarked that while wise nations learn from their mistakes, “perhaps our neighbour has not learned from 1971, nor from Kargil. Whether it learns after Operation Sindoor remains to be seen.”He accused Pakistan’s military leadership of deliberately sustaining hostile conditions to preserve its own relevance. “Our leadership works for the welfare of the people. Their leadership works to maintain the dominance of the army. For them, keeping tensions with India alive is essential,” he said, adding that Pakistan allegedly provokes conflict through terrorist proxies because it lacks the strength for direct confrontation.Lt Gen Katiyar also claimed that in the previous operation, Pakistan had attempted to dramatize victory through misinformation and internal promotions. “We will not give them that opportunity again,” he said.Calling upon troops to remain battle-ready, he stressed that the Western Command would play a decisive role in any future conflict. “You will have to strike deep into their heartland, capture key areas, inflict damage, and at the same time defend critical regions such as Jammu and Punjab. Your success in the next operation will define the nation’s victory,” he said.Highlighting technological preparedness, he said the Army’s plans were “100% ready,” with increased focus on indigenous development. “We are manufacturing drone ammunition and preparing in our own workshops. Drones will be decisive in future warfare, and we must master their use,” he said.However, he stressed that while technology is vital, “the men behind the machines are more important.”The Army commander also appreciated the civil administrations of Punjab, Haryana and Jammu for their support during operational periods and expressed confidence that the people of the country stand firmly behind the armed forces.
