China's Role in India-Pakistan Tensions: Insights from Indian Army Leadership

China's Strategic Support to Pakistan During Conflict

New Delhi: According to Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff, China has been instrumental in supporting Pakistan during its military confrontations with India. This assertion was made during a recent address at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

He noted that the recent four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan served as a 'live lab' for China to test its weaponry, emphasizing the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Lt Gen. Singh referenced China's ancient military tactics, particularly the concept of using a 'borrowed knife' to inflict damage on adversaries, to illustrate Beijing's commitment to aiding Pakistan against India.

He pointed out that India is currently facing threats from three fronts: Pakistan, China, and Turkiye, the latter of which has been supplying military equipment to Islamabad.

The Deputy Chief of Army Staff highlighted that a staggering 81% of Pakistan's military arsenal is sourced from China, indicating a deep-rooted military alliance.

He remarked, 'China prefers to utilize its neighbor to inflict pain on India rather than engage directly on the northern border.'

Lt Gen. Singh further elaborated that Pakistan acts as the visible front in this conflict, with China providing extensive support behind the scenes.

He also mentioned Turkiye's significant role in supplying drones and other military assets to Pakistan during the conflict.

The Indian leadership's strategic messaging has been clear, with meticulous planning and data-driven target selection in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

In response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, India initiated Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistani-controlled areas.

This operation led to four days of intense military engagement, culminating in an agreement to cease hostilities on May 10, with India asserting that its counter-offensive compelled Pakistan to seek an end to the conflict.