US Indo-Pacific Command Chief Admiral Samuel J. Paparo offered a robust endorsement of the tactical execution and measured conduct of Operation Sindoor during a high-level visit to New Delhi, emphasising both the operational lessons such engagements offer and the expanding strategic cooperation between the United States and India. Admiral Paparo’s remarks come amid broader concerns over security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region and underline the deepening military relationship between the two democracies. At a briefing with a select group of journalists on Sunday, Admiral Paparo commended the precision and restraint exhibited by Indian forces throughout Operation Sindoor, the military campaign conducted in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. “I applaud the tactical execution and the introspection on lessons learnt,” he said, adding that there is “always a lesson to learn from every conflict in the world”. His comments underscored the view that modern operations, even when successful, offer valuable insights for future readiness and strategy.
Paparo also noted the restraint shown during the operation, which targeted infrastructure linked to militant groups while avoiding sensitive nuclear facilities, according to official statements from air force leadership. Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Vice Chief of Air Staff, clarified that the focus was on terror-related and selected military targets, deliberately steering clear of nuclear sites. This approach, aimed at limiting escalation, has been cited by defence analysts as a factor in stabilising the conflict’s trajectory.
The US commander pressed the importance of continual learning from such engagements, particularly as military technology and weapons systems grow more complex. He observed that the integration of long-range strike systems and advanced sensors underscores the evolving character of warfighting, with “complex long-range weapons hav[ing] complex long-range kill chains,” a reflection on how interconnected modern battlefields have become.
Beyond tactical assessments, Admiral Paparo framed Operation Sindoor within the larger context of India–US defence ties, describing the bilateral relationship as on a “steeply upward trajectory.” He highlighted expanding cooperation across procurement, joint exercises, and interoperability efforts, with both sides seeking to bolster deterrence and shared security objectives. “Our partnerships have an exponential effect on deterrence,” he said, emphasising unity of purpose in maintaining peace through strength.
This trajectory of cooperation has tangible aspects. India and the United States have engaged in multiple defence procurements, including advanced aircraft and rotary platforms, alongside participation in multinational exercises such as Tiger Triumph, Malabar, Yudh Abhyas and Cope India. Defence analysts believe such engagements enhance mutual readiness and signal a deepening military alignment amid shifting regional power balances.
Admiral Paparo also drew attention to broader security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, pointing to rising coercion and aggression that complicate stability. While he did not single out specific states by name, his remarks have been interpreted by regional observers as an indirect reference to China’s assertive posture, particularly in maritime domains. This backdrop reinforces why both India and the United States see value in enhancing joint defence cooperation and maintaining robust deterrence.
India’s own military leadership has provided candid assessments of Operation Sindoor’s conduct, acknowledging challenges and adjustment of tactics during initial phases of the engagement. General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, noted the intrinsic risks of combat operations and the importance of addressing capability gaps, highlighting that losses are part of the domain and urging continued improvements in defence infrastructure and readiness. Such reflections indicate an institutional commitment to evolve based on operational feedback.
The strategic implications of Operation Sindoor extend beyond bilateral ties and regional deterrence. Analysts point out that the campaign, which involved coordinated missile and air strikes against terrorist infrastructure, marked a significant use of precision platforms and combined arms integration. The Indian Air Force’s ability to penetrate advanced air defence systems and execute coordinated strikes has been viewed as a demonstration of evolving force projection capabilities, though observers caution that this also invites scrutiny over escalation risks in volatile theatres.