India’s CDS Gen. Anil Chauhan Underscores Operational Clarity and Autonomy in Operation Sindoor, Highlighting the Future of Warfare
New Delhi – In a significant address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Anil Chauhan emphasized India’s complete operational clarity and autonomy during Operation Sindoor. He characterized the operation as a non-contact, multi-domain conflict involving both kinetic and non-kinetic elements, showcasing the evolving nature of modern warfare. The CDS shed light on various aspects of the operation, including India’s strategic approach, the role of disinformation warfare, and the integration of indigenous defense systems.
Gen. Chauhan highlighted the significant role of disinformation warfare during the operation, revealing that 15% of operational time was dedicated to countering false narratives disseminated by the Pakistani military. This underscores the critical need for a dedicated information warfare vertical within the military. India’s strategy, he explained, prioritized fact-based communication, even if it meant slower responses. Initially, two women officers served as spokespeople while senior leadership was engaged in operations. The Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) briefed the media only after May 10th.
Addressing the India-Pakistan relationship, the CDS rejected the notion of "strategic aimlessness." He pointed out India’s significant progress across various metrics since independence, surpassing Pakistan in GDP, social harmony, and development. This progress, he argued, reflects a long-term strategy. While diplomatic outreach, such as the Prime Minister’s 2014 invitation to Nawaz Sharif, has been extended, the lack of reciprocation from Pakistan has led to strategic disengagement, which in itself, he posited, is a considered response.
The CDS clarified that while Pakistan may have utilized commercially available Chinese satellite imagery, there was no evidence of real-time targeting support from China. This distinction is crucial as it indicates Pakistan’s reliance on commercially accessible information rather than active Chinese military assistance. In contrast, India leveraged indigenous systems like the Akash missile system, effectively networking domestic and foreign radars into a cohesive defense structure. This successful integration demonstrated the efficacy of India’s self-reliant defense capabilities.
Gen. Chauhan also addressed the human cost of war in the context of increasing automation and robotics. He cautioned that while reducing casualties is a positive outcome, it could paradoxically increase the likelihood of conflict escalation. When fewer lives are at stake, decision-makers might be more inclined towards aggressive actions, posing significant ethical and strategic challenges. This observation reflects the complex interplay between technology, strategy, and morality in modern warfare.
The CDS provided a comprehensive overview of the various domains involved in Operation Sindoor. While cyber operations played a limited role, with Indian military systems remaining secure despite some denial-of-service attacks, the operation highlighted the growing importance of information warfare and the need to counter disinformation campaigns. Regarding space and satellite intelligence, he reiterated the accessibility of commercial resources to all actors. India relied on its own capabilities, while adversaries may have sought assistance, though real-time coordination remains unconfirmed. He emphasized India’s focus on indigenous platforms like Akash and self-reliant networking infrastructure as key factors in the operation’s success. The integration of diverse radars into a unified air defense system was particularly highlighted as a significant achievement. Finally, the CDS discussed the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region, especially the northern Bay of Bengal, where geographical and geopolitical factors constrain India’s movements north and east. The sea, therefore, becomes a crucial strategic outlet for India, which, despite being a continental nation, functions like an island nation due to its island territories. This perspective underscores the evolving strategic considerations for India in the region and the importance of securing broader maritime interests.