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CDS Gen Anil Chauhan: Victory Lies in Evidence, Not Rhetoric on Defence

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan stated that a sense of victory cannot be built on dysfunctional systems or mere rhetoric, but must be demonstrated through concrete evidence, as seen in operations like Operation Sindoor. He called for a sober and realistic assessment of India's evolving security landscape, which he described as increasingly competitive and disruptive. The CDS emphasized that while partnerships are valuable, they cannot replace the need for indigenous capability and the strategic autonomy to act independently. He linked the concept of 'JAI' (Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, Innovation) to achieving victory over both external adversaries and internal institutional inertia.

Key Points: CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Stresses Evidence-Based Defence Victory

  • Evidence over rhetoric in defence
  • Need for sober security assessment
  • Strengthening indigenous capabilities
  • Strategic autonomy is crucial
  • Modern victory requires verifiable outcomes
3 min read

Victory is not declared by rhetoric, but demonstrated through evidence: CDS Gen Anil Chauhan

CDS Gen Anil Chauhan emphasizes demonstrated evidence over rhetoric for national security, highlighting Operation Sindoor and the need for strategic autonomy.

"Victory is not declared by mere rhetoric... but demonstrated through evidence. - Gen Anil Chauhan"

Pune, February 14

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan reflected on India's defence systems and highlighted the need for strengthening national security mechanisms, stating that a sense of victory cannot be built on "dysfunctional air defence systems."

Addressing the opening session of the JAI Se Vijay seminar in Pune, Gen Chauhan referred to India's success in Operation Sindoor and stressed that "actual vijay lies in demonstrated evidence." He emphasised the need for a "sober assessment" of India's defence system in view of emerging and future challenges.

"With respect to the defence forces, victory is not declared by mere rhetoric. As some entities in our neighbourhood have done so, but demonstrated through evidence, like what we showcased during Operation Sindoor. A sense of victory cannot be built on demolished terror infrastructure, damaged runways, crippled airfields, and dysfunctional air defence systems. Such kinds of victories or slogans do not endure. Actual Vijay lies in demonstrated evidence rather than verifiable outcomes...," the CDS said.

Highlighting the strategic environment, Gen Chauhan said India's defence posture for the next decade must be shaped by a realistic evaluation of the evolving security landscape.

"Why this is important is because currently, India's defence posture for the next decade is required to be shaped by a sober assessment of what lies ahead, what kind of challenges lie ahead. And I believe it's increasingly becoming very competitive, confrontational, combative, fragile, and technologically very disruptive," he added.

Earlier, Gen Chauhan observed that assumptions about permanent friends or adversaries are becoming unreliable in the rapidly evolving global order, asserting that India must be prepared to act independently when required.

He said, "Assumptions about permanent friends or adversaries are increasingly becoming unreliable. In today's world, it is difficult to define who your friends are, who your allies are, who your enemies are and who your adversaries are. India must therefore be prepared mentally, structurally and materially to act independently when required."

The CDS emphasised that partnerships remain valuable but cannot substitute for indigenous capability or freedom of national choice, stressing the need to strengthen domestic capacities to ensure strategic autonomy.

Elaborating on the theme 'JAI Se Vijay', Gen Chauhan said that in modern times, victory cannot rest on rhetoric or symbolic claims but must be grounded in "demonstrated evidence and verifiable outcomes." He cautioned that destruction of infrastructure or damage to airfields alone does not constitute enduring victory.

Referring to the Prime Minister's articulation of JAI as an acronym for Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation, the CDS said the concept today signifies freedom from foreign dependency and a colonial mindset. "It is not just victory over an adversary, but equally victory over inertia, prejudices, and institutional comfort," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows geopolitics, this is a crucial shift in thinking. The point about "permanent friends or adversaries" being unreliable is spot on. India must build its own strength and not rely on alliances that can change overnight.
V
Vikram M
Finally, a clear-headed message from the top. For too long, we've celebrated symbolic actions. "Demonstrated evidence" is key. We need to see this translate into faster procurement, better indigenous tech (like Tejas), and cutting red tape in defence.
P
Priya S
The emphasis on Aatmanirbharta is heartening. We cannot be a great power if we are dependent on others for our weapons. Hope the forces get the budget and policy support needed to achieve this strategic autonomy.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, while the CDS's words are perfect, the ground reality is different. Our soldiers are brave, but are they equipped with the best? Talk of "dysfunctional air defence systems" is worrying. We need action, not just seminars. Jai Hind.
M
Michael C
Interesting perspective. The line between rhetoric and evidence is thin in modern conflicts, which are often fought in the information space. India needs to master both - hard military power and the narrative.
K
Kavya N

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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