Operation Sindoor Continues: CDS General Chauhan Warns Against Complacency in Defence Preparedness
- MGMMTeam
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
In a powerful and timely reminder of the evolving nature of warfare, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan reaffirmed that Operation Sindoor—India’s retaliatory military operation launched in May 2025—is still ongoing in strategic terms. Speaking at a defence seminar in New Delhi’s Subroto Park, General Chauhan urged the nation’s armed forces and strategic planners to uphold uninterrupted military preparedness, stating that readiness must remain “very high” round the clock and throughout the year.
The remarks come at a critical juncture in India’s national security discourse. While the immediate kinetic operations of Operation Sindoor may have drawn down, its larger strategic objectives and deterrent posture continue to shape India’s military doctrine and diplomatic messaging.
The Genesis and Objectives of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in the aftermath of a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, authorized precision strikes targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These sites were believed to be operated by terror outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, with longstanding histories of cross-border violence against Indian civilians and security forces.
The operation was executed with remarkable efficiency and technological finesse. Indian Air Force assets, supported by electronic warfare capabilities and satellite intelligence, destroyed key terrorist command centers, training camps, and ammunition dumps. Indian officials confirmed that over 100 militants were neutralized, while simultaneously stressing that the mission was carefully calibrated to avoid civilian casualties and prevent escalation into a full-scale war.
CDS Chauhan’s Vision: The Future Soldier and Hybrid Warfare
In his address, General Chauhan placed Operation Sindoor within the broader framework of 21st-century warfare, which he described as “networked, deceptive, and increasingly information-centric.” He emphasized that future combat scenarios will not be dictated solely by traditional weaponry but by a convergence of technology, information dominance, and cognitive warfare.
According to the CDS, India must now prepare a new generation of soldiers who are not just combat-ready on the battlefield but also skilled in the virtual and psychological arenas. He described this evolving profile as a combination of the “information warrior, technology warrior, and scholar warrior”—a concept that envisions military personnel who are adept at using data, AI tools, and strategic analysis alongside conventional arms.
General Chauhan stressed that modern wars may no longer be linear or time-bound. Instead, they exist in a state of constant flux, often starting without formal declarations and ending without clear resolution. In such an environment, complacency is not just dangerous—it is defeat.
The Ongoing Nature of Operation Sindoor
Despite the apparent cessation of active hostilities by May 10, after backchannel negotiations resulted in a ceasefire, General Chauhan clarified that Operation Sindoor has not ended. He underscored that its real success lies in the sustained vigilance and deterrence it now represents. The Indian Armed Forces, according to Chauhan, remain on high alert. Surveillance of potential infiltration routes, cyber monitoring of terror networks, and counter-misinformation efforts continue unabated.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar echoed this sentiment, stating that the operation still continues in forms that are not always visible but are strategically significant. The Vice President also emphasized the importance of national sovereignty and India's right to act decisively when provoked.
Combatting Misinformation: A New Front in Modern Warfare
A striking revelation made by General Chauhan was that nearly 15 percent of operational resources during Operation Sindoor were diverted toward countering misinformation and fake narratives propagated online. He warned that this aspect of warfare, though often underestimated, can significantly erode national morale and distort global perception.
India’s adversaries, according to the CDS, are increasingly exploiting digital platforms to spread falsehoods about military operations, casualties, and intent. This psychological manipulation is designed to sow confusion within domestic audiences and draw international condemnation. The Indian Armed Forces, therefore, are now investing in narrative control, cyber counterintelligence, and strategic communication as integral components of their operational toolkit.
Parliamentary and Public Engagement: Building a Unified National Front
The Indian government has taken steps to ensure that Operation Sindoor is not confined to military circles. A full parliamentary debate has been scheduled, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh set to lead the discussion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to address the House, reaffirming the operation’s legitimacy, objectives, and strategic outcomes.
Beyond the corridors of power, the Indian Army has launched a nationwide outreach program aimed at schools, colleges, and civic institutions. Students in cities like Pune, Jhansi, Babina, and others have been engaged by senior officers to understand the moral, technical, and geopolitical significance of the operation. The initiative seeks to nurture a generation of young citizens who are not only patriotic but also informed about modern threats and their complex nature.
Conclusion: A Call for Constant Readiness in an Unpredictable World
Operation Sindoor has marked a decisive shift in India’s defence posture—from reactive to proactive, from limited responses to sustained strategic engagement. General Chauhan’s address makes it clear that while guns may fall silent temporarily, the war for security, truth, and deterrence never truly ends.
In today’s world, where wars are often fought without formal declarations and victory is measured in perceptions as much as positions, India must remain resolute. Whether on the icy heights of the Himalayas, the buzzing networks of cyberspace, or the hallways of global diplomacy, the country’s preparedness must remain ironclad.
India’s message is clear: We will not provoke, but we will never again be caught unprepared.
(Sources: Business Line, NDTV, Economic Times)
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