Wars Are Won By Purposeful Action, Not Rhetoric: Cds General Anil Chauhan

Wars are not won through rhetoric but through clear intent and purposeful action, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan said on Saturday, in remarks widely seen as a veiled reference to Pakistan. He was addressing the Combined Graduation Parade at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal as the chief guest.

Underscoring the distinction between words and capability, General Chauhan cautioned against confusing symbolic gestures and loud proclamations with real military strength. True power, he said, flows from discipline, meticulous planning, and decisive execution. His comments came against the backdrop of what he described as exaggerated claims and narrative-building by Pakistan’s political leadership and social media following setbacks during Operation Sindoor.

The CDS also drew attention to a broader global pattern of instability, noting that weak institutions and reactive decision-making were contributing to growing insecurity in several regions. Without naming any country, he observed that sudden, impulsive responses and fragile governance structures often undermine national security.

In contrast, General Chauhan highlighted India’s core strengths, which he said are rooted in robust institutions, democratic stability, and the unwavering professionalism of its armed forces. These pillars, he noted, form the backbone of India’s national security architecture and distinguish it from states that rely on rhetoric rather than capability.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the CDS said they were joining the armed forces at a critical moment, with Operation Sindoor underway and the security environment demanding constant vigilance. He stressed that modern military service is not defined by isolated moments of crisis alone, but by sustained preparedness across time.

“Our strength lies in being alert, energised, and ready every hour of every day,” General Chauhan said, adding that preparedness must become a continuous habit rather than a temporary posture. He urged officers to internalise excellence and make success a routine expectation rather than an occasional outcome.

General Chauhan concluded by emphasising that vigilance, readiness, and professionalism are not qualities required only in wartime, but values that must define an officer’s entire career. The credibility and effectiveness of the Indian armed forces, he said, depend on their ability to adapt to changing realities while remaining anchored in strong institutional values.