Fri May 16 18:04:53 UTC 2025: **Headline: Former Army Chief Vij: India’s Nuclear Threat Message to Pakistan Clear**

**New Delhi, India** – In an exclusive interview with NDTV, retired Indian Army Chief General Nirmal Chander Vij, who served as Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) during the 1999 Kargil War, has asserted that India sent a clear message to Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, during which terror bases in Pakistan were struck. General Vij stated that India’s message made clear that Pakistan’s nuclear threats would not deter India from safeguarding its national integrity.

General Vij’s comments come in the wake of a recently declared ceasefire between India and Pakistan, brokered through a call between the current DGMOs of both nations.

Referring to his experiences with General Tauqir Zia, his Pakistani counterpart during the Kargil War, General Vij emphasized Pakistan’s untrustworthiness and propensity for dishonesty, asserting it is ingrained in their “ethos.” He highlighted the difficulty in predicting Pakistan’s actions, questioning whether the government truly controls the Army.

While acknowledging the recent ceasefire, General Vij stated that India must remain vigilant until Pakistan’s intentions become clear. He also reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s stance that any act of terror originating in Pakistan would be considered an act of war.

The former Army chief also emphasized that despite the risks, India needed to respond decisively during the Pahalgam terror attacks, and that Pakistan should know by now that, economically “broke” as they are, they must not continue down this path.

When asked if war was an option, General Vij stated that while undesirable, it can be a tool to bring the other side to their senses and force meaningful dialogue.

General Vij’s insights are particularly relevant given the sensitive relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors and his critical role in shaping India’s military strategy during the Kargil War. His new book, ‘Alone In The Ring – Decision-Making In Critical Times’, he says, has turned out to be prophetic, due to Pakistan’s incorrigibility and untrustworthiness.

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