Operation Sindoor’s Precision Strikes Had Deep Psychological Impact On Pakistan: CDS Anil Chauhan

India's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Tuesday (5 August) said that Operation Sindoor, a series of long-range precision strikes carried out during cross-border hostilities in May, had a profound psychological impact on Pakistan, the Times of India reported.

Speaking at the inaugural Annual Trident Lecture Series hosted by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, the CDS confirmed that the operation is still ongoing.

The event brought together senior defence leadership, strategic thinkers and scholars to reflect on the theme ‘Dominating the Future Battlespace’.

Chauhan has emphasised the need to adapt swiftly to disruptive technologies, rethink legacy structures and prioritise synergy across the three services to tackle the challenges emanating from the constantly evolving nature of warfare.

“There were very long-range precision strikes (at selected targets). The impact was important. Physical was less, but the psychological impact was much more. (India) could hit very, very deep inside with precision,” Gen Chauhan said.

He clarified that the objective of Operation Sindoor was not to capture territory or take prisoners of war, but to achieve political objectives through swift and targeted military action.

According to him, war and politics are closely linked, as wars are often waged to serve political ends. He pointed out that modern conflicts are increasingly short and precise. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said it exemplified how political goals can be accomplished through rapid and focused strikes.

Highlighting the evolution in modern warfare, he said, “It created a huge impact psychologically, displaying sophistication and superiority. This is the matrix of victory today; it has nothing to do with territory. This is how domination is changing.”

General Chauhan highlighted the growing need for the armed forces to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies, urging a shift away from outdated systems and thinking.

He emphasised that true strength now lies in seamless coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In today's dynamic security environment, he said, the forces must be ready around the clock, with no room for complacency.

Reiterating India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism, he warned that such actions will face an appropriate response, and terrorists will no longer find safe haven in Pakistan under the current strategic posture.

The Lecture series acts as an annual forum for critical reflection, strategic foresight and policy innovation, aimed at addressing the evolving dynamics of warfare and national defence.

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