Op Sindoor: How China, Turkey Backed Pakistan In Border Clash
India shares a single border with Pakistan, yet faces challenges from three adversaries, recently stated Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh. As he elaborated, "We may have one border, but we face three enemies. China prioritizes its relationship with Pakistan and supports it extensively, providing around 81% of its military hardware." Singh further explained that China employs Pakistan as a testing ground for its weapons, highlighting Turkey's significant role in bolstering Pakistan as well. He asserted that China has supplied real-time intelligence on the movements of Indian armed forces during talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) from both nations, underscoring the pressing need for a robust and capable defense system in Indian airspace. He cited the recent Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of this reality.
Lessons from Operation Sindoor
Relations between India and Pakistan have reached a boiling point following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals. In response to this act of terror, India initiated Operation Sindoor, targeting nine significant terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation successfully neutralized over 100 militants affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Lieutenant Singh emphasized the strategic lessons learned from Operation Sindoor, stating, "The leadership under Prime Minister Modi has sent a decisive message to the world. Previously, we were subjected to frequent terror attacks; now, we are taking a stand."
During a FICCI event, Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh brought attention to India's complex security landscape, particularly in light of its ongoing tensions on the border with Pakistan. He noted the presence of three adversarial states—Pakistan, China, and Turkey—describing Pakistan as the "front face" of this multi-faceted threat while suggesting China and Turkey play critical supporting roles during the military operations known as Operation Sindoor (May 7–10, 2025). Singh's comment about facing a "family member" adds a layer of intrigue to the discussion, likely referring to Pakistan's intertwined cultural and historical ties with India, despite their contentious relationship.
Background Context of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was India's decisive military response following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, mainly tourists. Beginning May 7, India executed precision airstrikes on nine terrorist camps situated in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), effectively neutralizing over 100 terrorists. The ensuing four days were marred by heightened hostilities, including drone assaults launched by Pakistan that resulted in the deaths of more than 10 Indian civilians. A ceasefire was eventually established on May 10. Singh’s remarks illustrate the complicated dynamics of the conflict, extending beyond a simple bilateral dispute with Pakistan.
Triad of Adversaries - Pakistan's Role
Identified as the foremost adversary, Pakistan actively engaged India through terrorist proxies and military maneuvers. Singh pointed out that an overwhelming 81% of Pakistan’s military hardware in recent years has originated from China, signifying its reliance on Chinese support. The discussions during DGMO-level talks revealed that Pakistan had real-time intelligence capabilities, facilitated by China's involvement.
China’s Testing Ground
China has provided extensive backing to Pakistan, offering real-time intelligence and utilizing the conflict as a testing ground for military technology, including its J-10 and JF-17 aircraft and various missile systems. Singh referenced the Chinese strategy of "killing with a borrowed knife," implying that Pakistan acts as a proxy for China to weaken India without direct engagement, thereby avoiding escalation on the northern border.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China has sold $8.2 billion worth of arms to Pakistan since 2015, making it the fourth-largest arms exporter globally between 2020 and 2024, with 63% of its arms exports directed at Pakistan. This relationship has positioned Pakistan as one of China’s primary defense partners, receiving advanced equipment such as the JF-17 Thunder fighter and the cutting-edge J-10C multirole combat aircraft. Recent reports indicate that Pakistan is also poised to enhance its fleet with 40 Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighters from China.
Turkey's Support
Turkey's provision of Bayraktar drones and other military support signifies its growing partnership with Pakistan. President Erdogan's subsequent meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif showcased a commitment to improving cooperation in intelligence and counter-terrorism, further aligning Turkey with Pakistan and China in challenging India's regional security.
Implications of Singh's Observations
Rahul R. Singh's characterization of "one border, three adversaries" underscores a multifront threat that requires India to reassess its military strategies. While Pakistan stands out as the immediate aggressor, the backing from China and military assistance from Turkey complicate India's defense landscape, demanding a more decisive approach to address simultaneous threats posed by both state and non-state actors.
Singh's reference to a family member likely signifies Pakistan, given the shared historical and cultural ties that predate the 1947 partition. Despite the ongoing hostilities, this familial metaphor illustrates the tragic irony of India's adversarial relationship with a nation that possesses deep-rooted connections to its own history. Some interpret this comment as a critique of Pakistan's role as an instrument of Chinese strategy, manipulated for broader geopolitical objectives.
The conflict revealed vulnerabilities in India's intelligence frameworks, particularly regarding Pakistan's real-time military knowledge, which was augmented by Chinese resources. Singh called attention to the urgent need to refine India's counter-intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities.
The reliance on robust air defense systems became evident, especially in countering drone threats from Pakistan, supported by Turkish technology. Singh acknowledged the absence of comprehensive defensive systems such as Israel's Iron Dome, urging swift developments to address potential future threats.
Geopolitical Considerations
Rahul R. Singh's remarks formalize India's acknowledgment of a collaborative threat posed by China, Pakistan, and Turkey, a triad that could embolden Pakistan in future confrontations. As India navigates these complexities, it must enhance its multi-domain capabilities, strengthen diplomatic ties to counterbalance adversarial forces, and invest strategically in advanced defense technology.
Political parties in India, particularly the Congress, responded to Singh's comments by arguing that India is effectively embroiled in a larger conflict with China, not just Pakistan. This highlights the domestic political pressure to address the multifaceted threats posed by China holistically. Singh’s statements, widely reported and consistent across credible news outlets, reflect his authoritative position as Deputy Chief of Army Staff. However, the possibility of misinformation circulating on social media reminds us of the challenges in maintaining clarity amid the complex geopolitical narrative.
Lieutenant General Singh’s insights reveal India's shifting threat perception, indicating a need for comprehensive strategies that transcend a singular focus on Pakistan. As the nation grapples with its evolving security challenges, particularly as they relate to China and Turkey, swift action toward indigenization, enhanced defense capabilities, and strengthened diplomatic initiatives become imperative to safeguard national interests in a dynamically threatening environment.
