New Delhi

Sending a firm message to Pakistan over cross-border terrorism, Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday warned that if Islamabad continues to shelter terrorists and support activities directed against India, it would have to decide “whether it wants to remain part of geography or become part of history.”

The Army chief made the remarks during an interactive session titled Sena Samwad, organised by ‘Uniform Unveiled’ at the Manekshaw Centre.

During the interaction, Gen Dwivedi was asked how the Indian Army would react if circumstances similar to those that led to Operation Sindoor were to arise again.

Responding to the question, the Army chief reiterated his earlier position, saying Pakistan must make a clear choice if it continues to provide safe haven to terrorist groups and facilitate hostile actions against India.

“If Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists and operate against India, then they must decide whether they want to be part of geography or history,” he said.

Though brief, his remarks carried a pointed strategic warning and underscored India’s uncompromising stance on terrorism.

The statement comes just days after the nation and the armed forces marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor.

The operation was launched in the early hours of May 7 last year following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. Under Operation Sindoor, Indian forces carried out precision strikes on multiple terror-related targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan subsequently launched retaliatory military actions, with India’s counter-response also carried out under the same operation.

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The military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours continued for nearly 88 hours before both sides reached an understanding on the evening of May 10, bringing the hostilities to a halt.