India always aimed for the final strike in escalations: Ex-CDS Anil Chauhan on Operation Sindoor

Former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan offered a detailed account of "Operation Sindoor," India's tri-service offensive against Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and terror infrastructure. Conducted last May in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the operation aimed to compel Islamabad to request a ceasefire.

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One of the couple of principles which we thought in the escalation matrix which we laid for ourselves was that the last strike or the winning note will always be delivered by us and not by the Pakistanis.

Speaking in New Delhi, Chauhan highlighted a core strategic principle: India would always deliver the final strike in any escalation. "One of the couple of principles which we thought in the escalation matrix which we laid for ourselves was that the last strike or the winning note will always be delivered by us and not by the Pakistanis," he said. He also revealed that during the tense standoff, the Indian Air Force chief inquired about striking Sargodha after Pakistan indicated a willingness to talk. Chauhan confirmed he authorized the strike, adding that Skardu was also considered as a potential target before weather issues altered the plan.

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Once the Pakistanis had picked up the phone and said they wanted to talk at about 10 AM. The Air Chief asked me whether he should strike Sargodha, I said, Go ahead...

Chauhan attributed India's operational success to two primary factors. Firstly, superior battlefield awareness stemming from better networking across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, which provided a common operational picture for commanders. "If I had to list out a couple of reasons for India's victory, I would say that we had better situational awareness, better battlefield transparency because we are better networked," he stated. Secondly, he cited clear political direction that granted the military a free hand in planning operations. Chauhan also explicitly disputed former US President Donald Trump's assertions that Washington played a role in brokering the India-Pakistan ceasefire.

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If I had to list out a couple of reasons for India's victory, I would say that we had better situational awareness, better battlefield transparency because we are better networked.