India Can Strike Anywhere in Pakistan, Says Lt Gen Sumer Ivan D'Cunha
Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D'Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defence, made a strong assertion that India possesses the capability and weaponry to strike targets deep inside Pakistan, regardless of the location. Speaking about ‘Operation Sindoor’, he stated that every corner of Pakistan is under Indian surveillance and within striking distance.
In an interview with ANI news agency, Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D'Cunha emphasized that even if Pakistan were to shift its military headquarters (GHQ) from Rawalpindi to remote regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), they would need to “dig a very deep hole to hide.” He remarked, “Pakistan in its entirety is under our watch.”
Recalling the execution of ‘Operation Sindoor’, he explained that Indian forces precisely targeted key airbases within Pakistan. He noted that loitering munitions—airborne weapons that hover before striking—were deployed to destroy high-value targets.
“India has the necessary firepower to engage Pakistan across its length and breadth, and at any depth. Whether from our borders or from within the country, we are capable of targeting the entirety of Pakistan. Shifting the GHQ from Rawalpindi to KPK or anywhere else will not shield it; all such locations remain within our strike range. Hence, they will need to find a truly deep place to hide,” Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D'Cunha stated.
He further highlighted that indigenously developed drones and guided munitions played a crucial role in the success of this operation. He reiterated that safeguarding national sovereignty and protecting citizens remains the primary duty of the armed forces.
“Our duty is to protect our sovereignty and our people. We were able to defend the motherland from an attack intended to cause significant disruption in civilian areas and our cantonments. This is of great importance. It was not just our civilians, but also the soldiers, officers, and their families living in our cantonments who were concerned about these drone attacks. Preventing any loss of life made our troops, their families, and ultimately the Indian public immensely proud. That is the key takeaway from this operation,” he stated.
Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D'Cunha said that ‘Operation Sindoor’ demonstrated India's readiness to face modern warfare tactics, particularly involving drones and advanced technologies. He also noted that the operation showcased the strength of India’s integrated command systems, highlighting efficient coordination between different branches of the armed forces.
He concluded by stating that like the 'Shishupala principle'—which permits patience only to a certain limit—‘Operation Sindoor’ conveyed that if the enemy crosses the threshold, India is prepared to take decisive action. He asserted that this operation proved India’s readiness to respond strongly to terrorism and signaled a shift from a purely defensive posture to a proactive security strategy.