India Recovered After Aircraft Losses in Early Strikes, Adapted Strategy for Operation Sindoor Success: CDS Chauhan

New Delhi, May 31, 2025 — In a powerful statement reflecting India’s evolving military strategy, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasized that India has learned vital lessons from past setbacks and taken corrective action to avoid repeating tactical errors. Speaking in the context of the ongoing Operation Sindoor, General Chauhan highlighted the armed forces’ refined approach and operational preparedness in response to recent security challenges.

“Every military force grows from experience. India has evaluated earlier engagements and rectified tactical mistakes that had previously cost us,” said the CDS. He asserted that Operation Sindoor has demonstrated the Indian military’s heightened coordination, precision targeting, and pre-emptive readiness  aspects that were historically found lacking.

Referring specifically to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, General Chauhan stated that this incident triggered a strategic and swift military response. He noted that unlike previous situations, the Indian forces had planned and executed retaliation with meticulous care, minimizing collateral damage while maximizing operational impact.

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, has been marked by coordinated strikes on terror infrastructure across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and select areas in Pakistan. Over 100 terrorists have reportedly been neutralized, and significant damage inflicted on logistical and intelligence nodes supporting cross-border militancy.

Gen Chauhan’s remarks also touched upon India’s increasing reliance on joint force operations, leveraging combined capabilities from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This shift toward integrated warfare, he said, was a key evolution in India’s tactical doctrine, born out of past military evaluations.

“We are now better aligned with real-time intelligence, cyber operations, and aerial surveillance to strike targets more effectively,” he added. The CDS also credited technological advancements and reforms in procurement and training for improved results on the ground.

As Operation Sindoor continues, Gen Chauhan reaffirmed that India will remain resolute in its stance against state-sponsored terrorism. He concluded with a call for vigilance, unity, and unwavering support for the armed forces from all citizens.