The recent Operation Sindoor (May 7–10, 2025) has highlighted a new era of military collusion between China and Pakistan, marking a watershed moment in India’s regional security calculus. For the first time, real-time military coordination between the two countries was observed, confirmed by Lt. Gen. Rahul R. Singh.
This development signals a strategic and operational partnership, posing a serious challenge to India’s national security doctrine.
🔍 Nature of China-Pakistan Collusion
🔁 From Strategic Tacit Support to Tactical Coordination
Historically, China supported Pakistan diplomatically during the wars of 1965, 1971, and Kargil (1999).
But Operation Sindoor marked a shift from passive diplomacy to active military enablement:
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Real-time ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) sharing
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Tactical and logistical interoperability
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Cyber and electronic warfare (EW) coordination
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A new form of “grey-zone warfare”: indirect support without overt military engagement
🌐 Digital & Informational Warfare
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Chinese state media amplified Pakistani disinformation, projecting India as the aggressor
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Coordinated propaganda campaigns with Pakistan’s ISPR on social media
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Objective: Delegitimise India’s counter-terror operations and manipulate international opinion
⚔️ Implications for India’s Security Posture
🧨 Altered Deterrence Dynamics
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China’s indirect involvement complicates India’s conventional response
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Escalation risks drawing China directly into the conflict
🔥 Managing Two Active Fronts
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Eastern Ladakh: Continued Chinese troop presence
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Western Border: Breakdown of the 2021 LoC ceasefire with Pakistan
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India faces the prospect of simultaneous two-front pressure
🛡️ Boost to Chinese Military Export Diplomacy
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Post-conflict, Pakistan moved to procure advanced Chinese weaponry:
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J-35 stealth fighters
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KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft
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HQ-19 missile defence systems
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The conflict acted as a “live-fire demo” for Chinese arms, strengthening Beijing’s defence export strategy
🏹 Strategic Recommendations for India
1️⃣ Recalibrate China Diplomacy
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Signal clear diplomatic costs to Beijing
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Move beyond the “business as usual” approach with China
2️⃣ Invest in Deterrence
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Reverse the decline in defence allocations (from 17.1% to 13% of central expenditure)
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Prioritise:
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ISR platforms
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Drone warfare
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Cyber defence systems
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Network-centric warfare capabilities
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3️⃣ Diversify Military Response
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Avoid predictable air or missile strikes
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Leverage economic tools, covert operations, and treaty-based pressure (e.g., Indus Waters Treaty)
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Adopt multi-domain retaliation frameworks
4️⃣ Inter-Agency & Doctrinal Overhaul
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Strengthen military–civil intelligence fusion
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Use Operation Sindoor as a case study for modern conflict models
✅ Conclusion
The China-Pakistan collusion has moved from theoretical possibility to battlefield reality.
India must evolve from a reactive defence posture to a proactive, integrated deterrence strategy.
Success in this new hybrid battlespace will depend on:
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Hard power augmentation
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Technological upgrades
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Strategic foresight and inter-agency coordination