Commander of America’s Indo-Pacific Command (INDO-PACOM) Admiral Samuel J. Paparo has praised India’s Operation Sindoor. He said that as soon as the name of Operation Sindoor comes, we praise India because the Indian Army set an example of maintaining peace through amazing restraint, strategic precision and strength. This statement has come at a time when there is increasing concern over increasing aggression and coercion in the Indo-Pacific region, and there is talk of taking the India-US defense partnership to new heights.
Admiral Paparo reached India on Delhi tour
Admiral Paparo of the US Navy was on a visit to New Delhi on 15 February 2026. While talking to journalists, he talked in detail about Operation Sindoor. Paparo said 4 big things:
Appreciation of restraint: ‘We appreciate the restraint shown. Seeing such campaigns, all peace-loving nations become worried. He also praised India’s tactical execution and introspection, which showed seriousness in learning lessons after the operation.
Lessons related to China: On Pakistan’s use of Chinese-origin weapons (missiles, guidance systems), he said that many lessons have been learned from it. Focus on long-range weapons and the complexity of the kill chain is necessary. Although he did not directly name China, he expressed serious concern over the increasing ‘coercion and aggression’ in the region.
India-US relations: ‘Our partnership has an exponential impact on deterrence because it reflects a shared purpose of maintaining peace.’ Both countries have similar interests, especially in the maritime sector. America appreciates India’s contribution to the Indian Ocean. Both are committed to the principles of sovereignty, freedom of navigation and freedom of the seas.
Regional importance: The Indo-Pacific is home to 60% of the world’s population, more than 60% of GDP and 7 of the top 10 armies. Strong partnership is necessary to deal with the increasing challenges. Along with policy makers, the military leadership should also increase the capability and be ready to fight at any moment.
Operation Sindoor was the revenge for the death of 26 innocents.
On 22 April 2025, a terrible terrorist attack took place on tourists in Bysaran Valley of Pahalgam (Anantnag district) of Jammu and Kashmir. 26 innocent civilians were killed in this attack, which included 25 Indians and 1 Nepali. More than 20 people were injured. It was the biggest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Pakistan-based terrorist groups Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen, The Resistance Front were said to be behind the attack.
In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on 7 May 2025. The name ‘Sindoor’ was chosen because the attack targeted men instead of women. Sindoor is a symbol of respect and protection for Hindu married women. Indian Army, Air Force and Navy carried out precise strikes on 9 terrorist launchpads/camps in Pakistan and PoK. BrahMos missiles, drones, air strikes, indigenous weapons and AI-based platforms were used. No Pakistani military or civilian targets were touched. Heavy damage was caused to the terrorist infrastructure in 4 days (7-10 May). About 100 terrorists were killed.
Discussions about India’s air superiority
Pakistan retaliated, attacking religious places with drones and firing. Pakistan claimed that 40 of its citizens were killed. As a result, the operation showed India’s air superiority, forcing Pakistan to give ceasefire. Swiss think tank reports described this as a strategic change. India suspended Indus Water Treaty and Shimla Agreement.
It is clear from Admiral Paparo’s statement that Operation Sindoor not only showed India’s new policy against terrorism, but also set an example of India’s military capability and restraint at the global level. This is also proof of the strong India-America partnership, which is important for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
