‘India can hit hard’: Doval recalls Op Sindoor, says our generosity, tolerance should not be seen as weakness

Speaking in the upcoming Discovery docuseries "Declassified: Operation Sindoor", Doval said the objective of the military operation was to destroy enemy camps.

Updated on: Aug 14, 2026, 19:09:29 IST

Edited by Priyanjali Narayan

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National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has said India's generosity and tolerance should not be mistaken for weakness, asserting that the country is capable of taking risks and "hit[ting] hard" irrespective of the consequences.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval at Parliament premises during the ongoing Monsoon Session, in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Naveen Sharma)

Speaking in the upcoming Discovery docuseries "Declassified: Operation Sindoor", Doval said the objective of the 88-hour military operation was to destroy enemy camps, particularly those linked to the Pahalgam terror attack, according to a PTI report.

"We had decided the objective of the operation as destruction of the enemy camps particularly those who had been responsible for the Pahalgam attack," Doval said in his first interview since Operation Sindoor.

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'India can hit hard': Doval

"Message to the world is very clear - India's generosity or India being tolerant should not be mistaken for its weakness. India can take risks, India can hit hard, irrespective of the consequences," he added.

The two-part docuseries brings together India's military and national security leadership to recount the decisions and events surrounding Operation Sindoor, Discovery said in a statement. It features first-hand accounts from those who oversaw India's response to the conflict.

In the show, Doval offers an account of the decision-making process and the resolve behind India's military response, the broadcaster said.

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What was Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor was launched early on May 7 last year in response to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Indian forces conducted precision strikes on multiple terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Pakistan subsequently launched offensives against India, following which India carried out a series of counter-offensives, with the military actions taking place under Operation Sindoor.

The military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours lasted nearly 88 hours before India and Pakistan reached an understanding on the evening of May 10, bringing the hostilities to a halt.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Priyanjali Narayan
Priyanjali Narayan is a journalist with Hindustan Times based in New Delhi. She has over two years of experience covering national and international affairs, reporting on breaking news, producing in-depth explainers, and writing feature stories. Her work explores the political, social, and cultural dimensions of major events, with a focus on providing clear, nuanced, and accessible journalism for a broad audience.Before joining Hindustan Times, she was part of the India Today newsroom, where she specialised in explanatory journalism. There, she wrote detailed analyses of major domestic and international issues and produced feature stories that included interviews with prominent public figures. The role strengthened her ability to combine speed with depth in a fast-paced news environment.She holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in History from the University of Delhi. Her academic training continues to shape her storytelling, grounding her work in historical context and research-driven insight.Outside the newsroom, she enjoys reading personal essays and fiction, and is often planning her next trip, always seeking stories that deepen her understanding of people and places.Read More

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