CDS Gen Chauhan highlights India’s autonomy and China’s role in Pakistan arms post-Operation Sindoor

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan underscored India’s strategic autonomy and multi-domain warfare approach during Operation Sindoor, a four-day military confrontation with Pakistan targeting terrorist infrastructure.

He revealed that nearly 15 percent of operational time was dedicated to countering disinformation and fake narratives, highlighting the evolving nature of modern conflict.

"During the crisis, India retained full operational clarity and autonomy, regardless of broader geopolitical currents," Gen Chauhan stated at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

The operation showcased India’s reliance on indigenous weaponry, notably the Akash missile system, contrasting with Pakistan’s dependence on foreign arms.

Gen Chauhan pointed out that around 80 percent of Pakistan’s recent military procurements came from China, indicating Beijing’s significant role in Pakistan’s defense capabilities.

This dynamic reflects a broader shift towards non-contact, multi-domain warfare, where information operations and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) play critical roles.

India’s drone strikes during Operation Sindoor demonstrated precise targeting in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan itself, signaling the increasing importance of UAVs in future conflicts.

The conflict also affected global defense markets, with shares of Lockheed Martin, manufacturer of Pakistan’s F-16 jets, showing weak performance amid expectations of reduced orders.

Overall, Gen Chauhan’s remarks emphasize India’s growing self-reliance in defense and the strategic challenges posed by China’s support to Pakistan, shaping the future of warfare in the region.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan highlighted India’s operational autonomy during the four-day Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, emphasizing indigenous weaponry use and countering disinformation. He noted China’s role as the source of 80% of Pakistan’s recent military procurements, underscoring evolving multi-domain warfare dynamics.