Hyderabad: Rhetoric Alone Won’t Win Wars: CDS Jabs at Pakistan
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan delivered a pointed message during his address at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, on December 13, 2025. Speaking to newly commissioned officers at the Combined Graduation Parade, he emphasized that victories come from disciplined action, not empty words or exaggerated claims.
The remarks appeared aimed at Pakistan’s narrative around the earlier India-Pakistan tensions. Chauhan noted that while some parties boast of triumphs through rhetoric, real success demands clear intent, planning, and precise execution on the ground.
He highlighted India’s stable democratic institutions and professional armed forces as key strengths amid global instability. These foundations, he said, enable the military to adapt swiftly to evolving threats.
Ongoing Vigilance Stressed
Chauhan told the young officers they were entering service at a pivotal moment, with Operation Sindoor still active despite reduced intensity in recent hostilities. Launched in May 2025 as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, the operation targeted terror infrastructure across the border.
- Precision strikes hit nine sites linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed.
- Reports confirmed significant losses, including family members of JeM chief Masood Azhar.
- The campaign underscored India’s resolve against cross-border terrorism.
Chauhan urged constant alertness, noting modern warfare now spans cyber, space, and information domains alongside traditional battlefields.
Advice to New Officers
The CDS encouraged the graduates to embrace innovation and accountability in compressed decision-making environments. He thanked parents for entrusting their children to national service and reminded everyone that negligence has no place in duty.
Aerial displays by teams like Suryakiran and Sarang capped the ceremony, symbolizing the precision and skill expected from India’s forces. Chauhan’s words serve as a timely reminder: preparedness and action define true strength in uncertain times.