India has drawn a new red line against terrorism with Operation Sindoor, sending a clear message to its adversaries, according to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, May 31, 2025, General Chauhan stated that the operation, launched in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, aimed to destroy terrorist infrastructure and has hopefully conveyed a strong lesson.
Operation Sindoor was initiated on May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam attack that resulted in the death of 26 people. Indian forces targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The conflict, which lasted four days, brought the two nuclear-armed neighbors to the brink of a wider conflict before an understanding was reached to halt military actions on May 10.
General Chauhan emphasized that India utilized both indigenous systems and platforms from other countries during the operation. He noted that Indian forces were able to penetrate air defenses as far as 300 km inside Pakistan with pinpoint accuracy, targeting airfields and infrastructure. This demonstrated the functionality and effectiveness of the equipment used. He also said that India suffered initial losses in the air but switched tactics and established a decisive advantage.
Responding to queries about strategic stability in India-Pakistan relations, the CDS remarked that cooperation requires mutual effort and understanding. He expressed hope that the adversary would grasp the message conveyed by Operation Sindoor.
The CDS also addressed the seminar on 'Defence Innovation Solutions for Future Challenges' at the Shangri-La Dialogue. He highlighted the rising global instability caused by non-state actors and terrorists, who often instigate conflicts. General Chauhan pointed out the emergence of new warfare domains, including information, cyber, electromagnetic spectrum, and cognitive domains, which are blurring traditional boundaries.
During the Shangri-La Dialogue, General Chauhan outlined the progress made in creating Integrated Theatre Commands, emphasizing joint operations and the lessons learned from Operation Sindoor. He underscored the seamless integration of planning, logistics, and intelligence across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He also reaffirmed India's strategic posture and commitment to deterrence, noting the success of its multinational inventory of defense systems during strikes deep inside Pakistan.
General Chauhan clarified that India had achieved its military objectives within three days, making the decision to halt the operation a strategic one. He highlighted that while Pakistan held an upper hand post-1947, India's consistent strategy has propelled it ahead in economic, social, and human development. He stated that any future provocation from Pakistan would be met with a firm and decisive response, underscoring that Operation Sindoor was a statement of India's growing military might and resolve against terrorism.
In addition, CDS Chauhan spoke on the challenges faced during Operation Sindoor. He stated that disinformation was a significant challenge and approximately 15% of the armed forces' resources were allocated to combating fake news and misleading narratives. He emphasized the importance of a deliberate and measured communication strategy to avoid distorting public perception during high-stakes operations.
