CDS Anil Chauhan noted on Friday that Operation Sindoor had triggered constitutional amendments in neighbouring Pakistan —- a clear acknowledgement of the success of India’s military operation in 2025. The Chief of Defence Staff also weighed in on the possibility of a three-front war threat involving Pakistan, China and Turkey — adding that the situation needs to be assessed with nuance.
“The changes which have been brought about in Pakistan, including the constitutional amendment done hurriedly, are actually an acknowledgement of the fact that everything didn’t go well for them in this operation. They found a lot of shortcomings and deficiencies. This entire amendment essentially deals with the constitution of federal customs courts, which is a separate matter altogether,” said General Chauhan.
The Indian military launched a barrage of coordinated strikes in May 2025 — targeting multiple terror camps within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir — after the devastating Pahalgam attack. The swift 25-minute operation had decimated Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizb-ul Mujahideen strongholds in nine locations.
What has changed for Pakistan?
Pakistan had introduced a slew of policy changes in the weeks following Operation Sindoor — including a revamp of top military posts. It replaced the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee with a newly created Chief of Defence Forces role and centralised the authority structure. Chauhan noted that Pakistan has also stated that this post can be created only by the Chief of Army Staff — which goes against the basic principle of joint-ness.
The second change is the creation of a National Strategy Command. On that front, things may work well from their perspective. Earlier, they had also created an Army Rocket Forces Command. From both conventional and strategic standpoints, this may strengthen their capabilities. What they have essentially done is concentrate power by creating these new structures. Today, the Army Chief will be responsible for land operations, joint operations with the Navy and Air Force through the CDF, as well as strategic and nuclear matters. The creation of the Rocket Forces Command adds another important layer. This, in some ways, reflects a land-centric mindset,” the CDS pointed out.
‘Guns and butter can complement each other’
CDS Chauhan also opined during the Pune Public Policy Festival that the long-standing debate between “guns and butter” can be resolved if resources are deployed smartly — with defence procurement contributing directly to national revenue, employment and industrialisation.
“There has always been a debate between guns and butter. But if we play smartly, one can contribute to the other. The gun can contribute to the butter. Over the past three years, most of our procurements have been from domestic sources, once we do that, we’re paying 18% GST, which goes back to the government funds. It helps generate employment and revenue through industrialisation. So, this is a change of strategy… that is one thing which we must realise,” he said.
The CDS added that sustained economic growth could also help ensure smooth implementation of modernisation plans. He predicted that defence modernisation plans would (for the most part) stand under 2% of the budget allocation.
“Currently, the budget allocation is just under 2%. My hypothesis is that if the GDP continues to grow at about 8%, the inflation rate remains low, and we see a 10% year-on-year increase, the present modernisation plans would go well, except for some high-ticket purchases… maybe a spike will be required immediately. Thereafter, it should stabilise,” he reiterated.