New Delhi, May 31, 2025
India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, has issued a bold and sobering assessment of recent military operations, stating that “no war is ever fought without cost”, but reaffirming that India has delivered a calibrated and robust response through Operation Sindoor.
Addressing the media, General Chauhan acknowledged that while losses are an inevitable reality of any military engagement, India’s ability to learn, adapt, and re-engage with improved precision has demonstrated the strength of its defence framework. “Our forces responded with exceptional clarity and effectiveness. What matters most is our capacity to rectify tactical gaps and strike back with strategic confidence,” he said.
General Chauhan further revealed that within just two days of identifying areas for improvement, Indian jets were once again airborne, executing long-range missions with renewed accuracy. “This is the mark of a nation not only prepared to defend itself but one that is evolving in real time,” he added.
The CDS also highlighted India’s diplomatic assertiveness, especially in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror hubs operating from within Pakistan. India, he said, is simultaneously waging a strategic campaign on the global stage — exposing Pakistan’s duplicity on terrorism through forums like the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where he recently addressed the international community.
“India has consistently sought peace, but not at the cost of security,” he noted. “Our engagements are no longer without strategy. Whether military or diplomatic, we are pursuing long-term objectives with clarity.”
General Chauhan pointed to India’s economic and social transformation since independence, contrasting it with Pakistan’s decline. “At one time, Pakistan was ahead in GDP and social indices. Today, despite our diversity, India is leading across all measures — a result of consistent national vision.”
Reflecting on past efforts to maintain dialogue, including the 2014 gesture by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to invite Pakistan’s then-PM Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in, Chauhan remarked, “We’ve extended the hand of friendship more than once. But when the response is enmity, temporary disengagement becomes the prudent path.”
Key Takeaways:
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India’s military has displayed resilience and rapid strategic correction during Operation Sindoor.
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Diplomatic efforts are complementing defence operations to isolate Pakistan’s terror links globally.
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CDS Chauhan calls for pragmatic engagement, guided by national interest rather than idealism.
General Chauhan’s remarks reflect a balanced blend of military realism, strategic foresight, and national confidence — signaling that India is prepared for both defence and diplomacy with equal measure.
