Pakistan has always considered India as an existential threat: General N.C. Vij

Published on June 6, 2025. In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Amit Baruah speaks with General N.C. Vij, former Chief of Army Staff and Director General of Military Operations during the Kargil War, about the evolution of India’s military doctrine—from the constraints of Operation Vijay to the assertive response of Operation Sindoor. Citing his new book “Alone in the Ring: Decision Making in Critical Times”, General Vij discuss the key moments in India’s military history, the changing nature of warfare, and the strategic dilemmas of dealing with a nuclear-armed adversary. He shares behind-the-scenes insights from critical episodes including the Kargil conflict, the Balakot air strikes, and India’s decision to withhold troops from the Iraq War. From the role of restraint in diplomacy to the rise of narrative warfare, this conversation offers a rare window into military decision-making at the highest levels. Context As India’s military posture evolves in the face of persistent cross-border terrorism, General Vij provides a comprehensive view of how strategic thinking has changed—from 1999 to 2025. He explains the challenges of operating under nuclear thresholds, the dilemmas of revealing losses during wartime, and why future conflicts will be shaped by both battlefield capability and media narratives. Whether it’s India’s abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty, pressures from the U.S. over Iraq, or the technological transformation of modern warfare, Vij emphasises the importance of professional candor between the armed forces and civilian leadership. Highlights -Why India showed “more restraint than necessary” during Kargil -What changed between Operation Vijay and Operation Sindoor -How military strategy adapts under the shadow of nuclear threats -The rise of UAVs, drones, and standoff warfare -The untold story behind India’s refusal to send troops to Iraq -Why controlling the narrative is as crucial as battlefield success -The challenges of trust and timing in decisions like Siachen and Indus Waters Perfect for: -Viewers interested in India’s military strategy and leadership -Students of defence policy, security studies, and modern warfare -Analysts tracking South Asia’s nuclear and conventional dynamics -Readers of military memoirs and firsthand leadership accounts -Journalists covering India-Pakistan relations and war reporting -Citizens seeking deeper understanding of military-civilian decision-making -Anyone curious about the future of Indian military doctrine Credits: Host: Amit Baruah Produced by: Abhinav Chakraborty and Kavya Pradeep M. Production Assistant: Zara Zafia Edited by: Razal Pareed Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - / frontlineindia Twitter - / frontline_india Instagram - / frontline.magazine LinkedIn - / frontline-magazine-b12921295