Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, during an annual press conference on January 12, 2026, elaborated on the circumstances that compelled Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire during 'Operation Sindoor' in 2025. He identified two critical turning points that proved decisive in the brief conflict initiated by India on May 7, 2025. 'Operation Sindoor' was India's retaliatory military campaign launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The operation involved precision strikes on nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, aiming to dismantle infrastructure linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. According to General Dwivedi, the first turning point was the initial 22-minute aerial strike, which he stated 'completely bewildered' Pakistan's decision-making process due to its speed and precision. The second pivotal moment occurred on the morning of May 10, 2025, when the Indian armed forces were given 'clear orders' to prepare for an escalation. Pakistan, monitoring India's comprehensive preparations through satellite intelligence, realized the gravity of the situation and understood the need to halt the conflict. While the initial strike was rapid, the conflict also involved subsequent border skirmishes and drone attacks, with Pakistan launching its own 'Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos' which reportedly lasted about eight hours on May 10, before Pakistan sought US intervention for a ceasefire. The Army Chief's remarks clarify that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reportedly stated Pakistan 'surrendered' within 22 minutes, General Dwivedi focused on Pakistan's decision to 'arrive at a ceasefire' or 'plead for peace'. He also highlighted that 'Operation Sindoor' itself was a testament to 'tri-service synergy under clear-cut political directive' and emphasized that the broader 'Operation Sindoor' is still ongoing, with infiltration attempts and state-sponsored terrorism remaining a persistent challenge.