Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 3: In a firm and strategic assertion, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Tuesday declared that India’s professional military forces remain undeterred by setbacks or losses, emphasising that “in war, outcomes matter more than losses.” His remarks come in the wake of reports indicating that India lost a few fighter jets in the early stages of Operation Sindoor.
Delivering a special lecture on ‘Future Wars and Warfare’ at Savitribai Phule Pune University, Gen Chauhan underlined the importance of resilience and adaptability in modern warfare. “Setbacks are part of any military operation. But what defines a professional force is its ability to learn, adapt, and strike back. We cannot afford to be paralysed by fear,” he asserted.
Highlighting the psychological aspect of military operations, the CDS said that high morale and adaptability are essential for any force to succeed. “You need to understand what went wrong, rectify it, and move forward. That’s how wars are won,” he added.
He admitted that losses did occur on May 7, during the initial phase of Operation Sindoor, but reiterated that such setbacks should not overshadow the mission’s success and strategic importance.
Making a clear reference to Pakistan, Gen Chauhan said that India will no longer remain under the shadow of terrorism or nuclear blackmail. “Pakistan should not believe it can hold India hostage through state-sponsored terror. That era is over,” he said.
Speaking on the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, he described the incident as “a horrific act of religiously motivated cruelty”. The victims, many of whom were killed in front of their families, became the catalyst for India’s immediate and strong military response through Operation Sindoor.
Dispelling assumptions that the operation had concluded, Gen Chauhan clarified that Operation Sindoor is still underway. “There is a temporary cessation of hostilities, but the threat remains. We cannot lower our guard,” he warned.
Referring to previous operations like Parakram and the Balakot air strikes, Gen Chauhan noted that extended mobilisations are disruptive and costly. “This time, we acted swiftly. Before full mobilisation, strikes were already underway,” he explained, hinting at India’s pre-emptive readiness and strategic edge.
Addressing the operational risks, the CDS acknowledged that many new capabilities were tested for the first time, including India's counter-drone systems. “With great risk comes great success. We were prepared and confident in our technologies,” he said.
He also remarked that India has suffered more terrorist attacks than many Western nations, with over 20,000 lives lost to terror over the years. “This wasn’t just another terror incident. It was a turning point. A line had to be drawn,” he stated.