‘Borrowed Knife’ strategy exposed! Indian Army deputy chief reveals China’s use of pakistan during Operation Sindoor
by Utsav RoyCalling it “like a live laboratory,” Indian Army Deputy Chief Lt. General Rahul R. Singh on Friday highlighted China’s growing involvement as Pakistan’s principal supporter during India’s Operation Sindoor, aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across the border.
Speaking at an event hosted by industry group FICCI, Lt. Gen. Singh emphasized that a staggering 81% of Pakistan’s defence arsenal originates from China. He noted how the conflict zone has effectively turned into a testing ground for Chinese military hardware: “China has been able to test its weapon systems against multiple other platforms, it’s essentially a live lab for them.”
Referring to the complex regional dynamic, he used the phrase “one border, two adversaries,” pointing to both Pakistan and China, but quickly added a third: Turkey. Singh noted that Turkey had played a significant supporting role, particularly through its supply of drones to Pakistan.
Expanding on China’s strategy, Singh referred to the ancient concept of “killing with a borrowed knife”, one of 36 strategic principles in Chinese doctrine, suggesting Beijing prefers to inflict damage on India indirectly through Pakistan, avoiding direct confrontation along the northern frontier.
Singh also revealed that Pakistan had access to sensitive, real-time information during Operation Sindoor. “Even during Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level conversations, Pakistan told us, ‘We are aware that your specific vector is prepped and ready.’” He said Pakistan’s intelligence was directly fueled by input from China.
Operation Sindoor was initiated on May 7 in response to a terrorist strike in Pahalgam, Kashmir on April 22, which left 26 civilians dead. India’s military targeted terror hubs in Pakistan’s Punjab province as well as in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
In retaliation, Pakistan launched missile and drone attacks on Indian territories including Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and other regions. A significant portion of these weapons were reportedly supplied by China, with some support from Turkey. India’s air defence forces successfully intercepted most of these incoming threats.
The hostilities ultimately ceased following outreach from Pakistan’s DGMO to the Indian side. While former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed to have mediated the ceasefire, Indian officials have dismissed this assertion.