‘If You Want Peace, Prepare for War’: CDS Anil Chauhan’s Firm Message on Defence Preparedness

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan delivered a strong message on India’s defence stance during the ‘Ran Samvad’ conclave at the Army War College in Mhow. He emphasized that while India values peace, it cannot afford to be pacifist, asserting that “peace without power is utopian.”
Referring to Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, General Chauhan confirmed that the operation is still ongoing. He said the mission has offered vital lessons, many of which are already being implemented to strengthen India’s security capabilities.
Highlighting the changing nature of global conflicts, he identified four trends shaping future wars: the increasing use of short, decisive conflicts for political goals, the fading distinction between war and peace, the growing importance of people in conflicts, and the evolving definition of victory—now measured by speed, precision, and operational tempo rather than territory or casualties.
General Chauhan also underlined the importance of aligning India’s defence preparedness with its vision of becoming a developed nation. He stressed the need for a stronger, self-reliant, and technologically advanced military, urging greater awareness across society about doctrinal and practical aspects of warfare. He called for unified, swift, and decisive responses across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains to counter future security challenges effectively.