Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has issued a strong warning against nuclear attack threats, asserting that India will not be deterred by nuclear blackmail, particularly from Pakistan. Speaking at the 128th Foundation Day celebrations of Scindia School in Gwalior, General Chauhan recalled Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that it demonstrated the fallacy of Pakistan's assumptions regarding its nuclear capabilities.
"The country cannot tolerate even the threat of a nuclear attack," General Chauhan stated. "Pakistan thought it could do anything with nuclear capability, but Operation Sindoor proved it wrong".
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the death of 26 civilians. India conducted precision missile strikes on nine terrorist targets across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting key terrorist installations, including Jaish-e-Mohammad's stronghold in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke.
General Chauhan highlighted that Operation Sindoor established a "new normal," indicating that "talks and terrorism cannot go hand in hand". He emphasized that the operation created a new matrix of decision and timing in warfare. According to CDS Chauhan, India went as far as 300 km inside Pakistan with pinpoint accuracy to strike targets including airfields and infrastructure. He also downplayed Pakistan's claims about the effectiveness of Chinese weaponry, stating that they "didn't work".
Following the Indian strikes, there were reports of border skirmishes and drone strikes between the two countries. Pakistan's army retaliated by launching mortar shells on Jammu, particularly Poonch, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to homes and religious sites. A ceasefire was agreed upon after a hotline communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries on May 10, 2025.
General Chauhan's recent statement underscores India's preparedness to counter any potential threats, including nuclear ones. He stressed the importance of including the possibility of nuclear weapons in India's security scenario, emphasizing the need to prepare for radiological contamination and bio-threats. "Radiological contamination requires different protocols for treatment and must be part of our training," he stated. "Preparedness against nuclear threats contributes to a deterrence against its use".
Furthermore, General Chauhan highlighted the need for indigenous development of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), emphasizing that self-reliance in these technologies is a strategic imperative for India. He revealed that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan deployed drones and loitering munitions, but they caused no damage to Indian military or civilian infrastructure, as they were neutralized through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic means.
The CDS also emphasized that a war is not fought by the armed forces alone but by the entire nation, with political leaders, diplomats, and soldiers all playing critical roles. He urged the youth to actively contribute to nation-building during "Amrit Kaal," emphasizing that the future belongs to India and its 140 crore people.
India-Pakistan relations remain complex, marked by historical grievances, territorial disputes, and cross-border terrorism. Despite these challenges, India has expressed its desire for peaceful, friendly, and cooperative relations with Pakistan in an environment free from violence and terror. However, recent events, including the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, have highlighted the continuing tensions and the need for constant vigilance.
