New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace while stressing that the country cannot afford to be pacifist in the face of emerging security challenges. Speaking at the inaugural Ran Samwad-2025, a tri-services seminar held at the Army War College in Mhow, Chauhan underscored that peace without power is unrealistic and nations must remain ready for war to safeguard stability.
General Chauhan highlighted that the evolving nature of global conflicts requires a clear understanding of modern war trends. He identified four key aspects shaping the future battlefield. First, the increased possibility of short-duration conflicts, as governments believe quick use of force can achieve political aims. Second, the blurring line between war and peace, with conflicts no longer marked by formal declarations but unfolding in phases of competition, crisis, confrontation, conflict, and combat. Third, the importance of population resilience as a strategic factor, where national strength depends on the ability of citizens to endure pressures of conflict. Fourth, the changing measures of victory, now defined by speed and precision of operations rather than territorial gains or casualties.
Drawing on lessons from Operation Sindoor, Chauhan explained how modern warfare has shifted towards technology-driven strategies. He said yesterday’s weapons cannot win today’s wars and stressed the importance of indigenous innovations. During Operation Sindoor, Indian forces neutralized enemy drones and loitering munitions effectively, showcasing the value of local technologies. The Indian Navy also confined Pakistan’s naval units to their harbours through the deployment of 36 vessels, including a carrier battle group, marking a demonstration of maritime dominance.
The CDS described ongoing changes as a “third revolution” in warfare, where artificial intelligence, machine learning, unmanned systems, and data dominance have become central. He said the future belongs to smaller and smarter weapons rather than simply larger arsenals. India’s modernization, he emphasized, must be tactics-led, aligning innovation with operational requirements.
Chauhan also stressed the importance of jointness among the three services, networked warfare, and resilience against cyber and information warfare. He outlined India’s vision for 2035, aiming to create more integrated, self-reliant, and technology-heavy forces through theatre commands, cyber-space integration, and indigenous supply chains.
The government has already approved the deployment of 52 dedicated military spy satellites by 2027–28 to strengthen surveillance and intelligence capabilities. Indigenous platforms such as the newly commissioned INS Arnala, an anti-submarine vessel equipped with homegrown systems, further reflect India’s move from a buyer’s navy to a builder’s navy.
Ran Samwad-2025 marked the beginning of a new platform for dialogue between military leaders, academics, and industry representatives, with the aim of advancing India’s preparedness for future conflicts. General Chauhan’s remarks underscored that while India remains a peace-loving nation, its strategic doctrine will continue to be guided by readiness, resilience, and technological strength.