India's strategic evolution: CDS Chauhan explains Pakistan's defence shifts post-Operation Sindoor

Pune: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has said Pakistan’s recent constitutional amendments were effectively an admission that “things did not go well” for the neighbouring country during Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the Pune Public Policy Festival, he said the operation is “only on pause” and highlighted the strategic and organisational shifts unfolding in Pakistan’s defence structure.

General Chauhan noted that Pakistan’s constitutional amendment, carried out in haste, reflected shortcomings and operational deficiencies exposed during Operation Sindoor. In his words, "The changes which have been brought about in Pakistan, including the constitutional amendment done hurriedly, are actually an acknowledgement of the fact that everything didn't go well for them in this operation. They found a lot of shortcomings and deficiencies." The amendment to Article 243 of Pakistan’s Constitution has significantly altered its higher defence framework, abolishing the post of Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and creating a new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). However, he pointed out that Pakistan has stated the CDF position can only be created by the Army Chief, which he said undermines the principle of jointness.

He added that the introduction of the National Strategy Command and earlier creation of the Army Rocket Forces Command indicate a concentration of power within the Pakistan Army, reinforcing a “land-centric mindset” while expanding both conventional and strategic capabilities, including nuclear oversight.

Referring to the strategic implications for India, General Chauhan stressed the importance of incorporating key operational lessons from recent security developments, including the Uri surgical strikes, Doklam and Galwan standoffs, the Balakot air strike and Operation Sindoor. He said the Indian armed forces have often operated through innovative and situation-specific command arrangements and are now moving towards a standardised command system for all contingencies.

On the progress of India’s proposed joint theatre commands, General Chauhan confirmed that the Union government has extended the deadline for completion to May 30, 2026, but emphasised that the armed forces are working to implement the structure well before that timeline. Calling it one of his primary responsibilities, he said the process is now in its final phase.

He reiterated the need for evolving a robust higher defence organisation to strengthen India’s preparedness and joint warfare capability.

PTI