Indian Army capable of any kind of operation: Army chief

A couple of days after Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said pain will be inflicted upon those who hurt India, Army chief General Dalbir Singh on Wednesday said the army was ready for any kind of operation.

General Dalbir Singh, however, did not explain the nature of operations.

Asked at the army's annual press conference ahead of Army Day on January 15 about Parrikar's comment, General Dalbir Singh said he cannot comment on what the minister said, but added: "The Indian Army is capable of doing everything. These are government decisions, whatever task the government gives us we are ready."

General Dalbir Singh was asked whether covert, surgical operations or direct war would be the right response to the proxy war launched on India from the other side of the border.

In one of the strongest statements following the January 2 attack on the Pathankot air base, Parrikar on Monday said pain must be inflicted on those who hurt India.

The minister said the time, manner and place of the response will be decided by India.

He, however, refrained from naming Pakistan, and referred to "individuals and organisations" that hurt India.