NEW DELHI:
In a sharp escalation of tensions with Pakistan, India’s deputy chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance), Lt gen Rahul R Singh, has accused China of using Pakistan as a ‘live lab’ to test its military hardware. Speaking at a FICCI event on ‘New Age Military Technologies’, Lt Gen Singh revealed that a staggering 81 per cent of Pakistan’s military equipment is of Chinese origin.
His remarks come in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strike following the deadly April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. India targeted nine terror-linked locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating over 100 terrorists from groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Lt Gen Singh said the strike was a result of intense planning backed by data, tech, and human intelligence. “There are a few lessons from Operation Sindoor. The strategic messaging was unambiguous India will no longer absorb pain silently. Out of 21 identified sites, nine were prudently engaged,” he stated.
On the regional security matrix, he noted, “We had one border and two adversarie0073 actually three. Pakistan was at the forefront. China provided all possible support, including real-time updates during DGMO-level talks. Turkey too played a critical role.”
He highlighted the growing danger posed by the China-Pakistan-Turkey nexus, adding, “We need a robust air defence system. Air defence played a vital role this time, especially in protecting our population.”
According to SIPRI data, China has sold $8.2 billion worth of arms to Pakistan since 2015, accounting for 63 per cent of its total arms exports between 2020 and 2024. This includes over half of Pakistan’s fighter fleet, including JF-17s co-developed with China and the more advanced J-10C jets. Reports now suggest Islamabad is also acquiring 40 Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighters, joining a small elite group of nations with stealth capabilities.
A recent US Defence Intelligence Agency report for 2025 underscores India’s strategic view of China as its “primary adversary,” with Pakistan seen as a secondary but persistent threat.
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