NEW DELHI: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Tuesday said that the long-range precision strikes carried out during the cross-border hostilities in May had a “significant psychological impact” on Pakistan. He also made it clear that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, indicating that India’s strategic posture has not softened.
Speaking at the inaugural edition of the Annual Trident Lecture Series, organised by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, General Chauhan highlighted how modern warfare is increasingly defined by speed, precision, and psychological dominance, rather than territorial gain.
“It created a huge psychological impact, displaying our technological sophistication and operational superiority,” the CDS said. “This is the new matrix of victory—it’s not about territory anymore. This is how the very idea of domination is evolving.”
“Short, Sharp Conflicts for Political Goals”
Emphasising the intimate link between warfare and politics, General Chauhan noted that contemporary conflicts, such as Operation Sindoor, are “short, sharp, and politically driven”, aimed at achieving strategic objectives through rapid and targeted actions.
“War and politics are closely related. Wars are often fought to achieve political purposes. Today, we see precise and limited wars where political goals are achieved quickly and decisively,” he said.
Preparedness and Technological Adaptation
The CDS stressed the urgent need for India’s armed forces to adapt to disruptive technologies, overhaul outdated structures, and foster greater synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force to address the shifting character of warfare.
He reiterated the importance of 24/7 operational readiness, in line with the government’s evolving strategic doctrine. India, he said, will respond firmly to cross-border terrorism, and those responsible will no longer find safe haven within Pakistan.
“We must maintain a very high level of operational preparedness at all times. Cross-border terrorism will meet with an appropriate response. The era of terrorists operating from safe havens across the border is over,” he asserted.
