General Anil Chauhan Discusses Lessons from Operation Sindoor at India Defense Conclave 2025

Insights from Operation Sindoor

On Tuesday, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan stated that the armed forces have learned numerous lessons from 'Operation Sindoor' and emphasized the necessity of integrating these insights into the planned 'theaterization' model.

During a discussion at the 'India Defense Conclave 2025', organized by the think tank 'Bharat Shakti', he mentioned that following a decisive military operation in May, it is crucial for India to establish ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and combat capabilities throughout Pakistan. He believes this will define the new normal.

When asked about the implications of the 'new normal' announced for the Indian Army by the government, he explained that for the armed forces, this should translate into a new operational state. This entails enhanced readiness around the clock, which he considers essential. Improvements in air defense, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and electronic warfare capabilities are necessary as we anticipate similar types of warfare.

General Chauhan stressed the importance of staying technologically ahead of adversaries. Without going into extensive detail, he noted that while previous operations targeted static objectives, future strategies may require engagement with dynamic targets.

Regarding the planned 'theaterization' (joint command of the three branches of the military), the CDS remarked that the lessons learned from Operation Sindoor must be incorporated into this model. He highlighted experiences from Uri, Balakot, Operation Sindoor, Galwan, Doklam, and the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for the creation of an organizational structure that is adaptable to various conditions.