General Chauhan said India is simultaneously working to develop a standardised system for responding to emergency situations, drawing lessons from recent military operations and evolving security challenges. His remarks come amid ongoing reforms within the Indian armed forces aimed at improving jointness and operational preparedness.
Explaining the strategic fallout of Operation Sindoor, the CDS pointed to major changes in Pakistan’s higher defence organisation. He said Pakistan amended its constitution and created the post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), replacing the earlier Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. “These changes reflect shortcomings and weaknesses that were exposed during operations,” Chauhan said, adding that restricting the CDF post to the Army Chief runs counter to the principle of jointness.
The CDS also noted the formation of Pakistan’s National Strategy Command and the strengthening of its Army Rocket Forces Command, moves he said were aimed at enhancing both conventional and strategic capabilities. According to him, these steps indicate the scale of pressure Pakistan faced following Operation Sindoor.
On India’s own military reforms, General Chauhan said the deadline for implementing the proposed Joint Theatre Commands has been extended to May 30, 2026, though efforts are underway to complete the process ahead of schedule. He described the theatre command system as essential for integrating the Army, Navy and Air Force under unified operational commands, enabling faster and more effective responses during crises.
General Chauhan said several operational lessons have emerged from recent missions conducted under different command structures, including operations at Uri, Doklam, Galwan, Balakot and Operation Sindoor. These experiences, he said, have reinforced the need for institutionalised joint planning and execution.
Reiterating his earlier views on the changing nature of warfare, the CDS said future conflicts will be multi-domain and require swift, precise military actions alongside readiness for prolonged engagements. He stressed that wars are not won by rhetoric alone but through clear objectives, solid planning and constant vigilance.
The CDS’s remarks signal that while Operation Sindoor may be on pause, its strategic and doctrinal consequences continue to shape military thinking on both sides of the border, even as India accelerates reforms to prepare for future security challenges.
