Captain Shiv Kumar, Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Jakarta, issued a stark warning during two high-profile seminars hosted by the Indonesian Air Force University, stating that any nuclear strike from Pakistan would lead to its total destruction. These remarks were made in the context of discussions examining the May 2025 air conflict between India and Pakistan, referred to as Operation Sindoor.
In his address to senior Indonesian military officials, scholars, and defense analysts, Captain Kumar reiterated India’s established nuclear doctrine of no-first-use accompanied by massive retaliation. He emphasized that India would not succumb to nuclear threats or coercion, a sentiment that aligns with official government policy and recent statements from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His comments reflect a robust stance aimed at addressing escalating regional tensions.
Operation Sindoor was initiated by the Indian Air Force in response to a terror attack, backed by Pakistan, that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians in Kashmir. According to various Indian officials and independent reports, the operation comprised precision strikes on 11 Pakistan Air Force bases, showcasing India’s enhanced capabilities in missile warfare, drone usage, and electronic warfare. These strategic accomplishments were pivotal topics during the seminar series.
The seminars not only delved into the specifics of India’s military operations but also sought to extract lessons that could inform Indonesia’s air power modernization initiatives. Discussions ranged from the strategic deployment of surface-to-air missile systems and unmanned aerial vehicles to the imperative for strong deterrence frameworks in the evolving security landscape of Southeast Asia.
Captain Kumar’s remarks also highlighted the wider implications of the India-Pakistan conflict, indicating India’s objective to strengthen defense collaborations with countries like Indonesia. The seminars served not only as a venue for strategic discourse but also as a cautionary signal to adversaries regarding the dangers of nuclear escalation.
Amidst a broader reassessment of military strategies across Asia, India’s focus on responsible nuclear behavior and deterrent capabilities comes at a time when nations such as Indonesia are preparing to confront increasing security challenges in a fast-evolving geopolitical context.
