Ceasefire announced suddenly as part of India’s strategic planning, says CDS Anil Chauhan

Anil Chauhan, who was in Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue, said India operated with complete clarity and autonomy during Operation Sindoor

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said India halted its military response to Pakistan’s post-Operation Sindoor provocation after achieving all its objectives within three days.

Speaking about the sudden ceasefire announcement on May 10, Chauhan said it was part of India’s “strategic planning”.

Chauhan, who was in Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue, said in an interview that India operated with complete clarity and autonomy during Operation Sindoor.

“India adopted a long-term strategic approach after gaining Independence in 1947, at a time when Pakistan was ahead in several areas. Today, however, India has surged ahead in economic, social and human development—an outcome of that sustained strategy,” he said.

India launched military strikes on nine targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7. The cross-border operation by the Indian armed forces was in response to the terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam, in Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.

According to Chauhan between May 7 and 10, Pakistan retaliated by firing along the Line of Control (LoC). It resulted in the deaths of 15 Indian civilians and one soldier. In response, the Indian Air Force launched BrahMos missile strikes on the morning of May 10, targeting and destroying Pakistan’s Noor Khan and Chaklala airport in Rawalpindi. “Following this escalation, Pakistan appealed for a ceasefire, which India agreed to,” said General Chauhan.

According to General Chauhan, despite several efforts to improve bilateral ties, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inviting Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony in 2014, Pakistan has consistently responded with hostility. Hence, he said maintaining strategic distance is considered to be the most appropriate course of action.

General Chauhan said the Indian armed forces remain on high alert following the ceasefire. He said there is a clear message that any further provocation from Pakistan will be met with a firm  response. He said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s strength and its unwavering commitment to not remaining silent in the face of terrorism.

Chauhan also interacted with Admiral Samuel J Paparo, Commander of US INDOPACOM, USA, reinforcing defence ties.

Their discussions centred on Operation Sindoor, strengthening military-to-military cooperation and opportunities to foster collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, in the backdrop of the dynamic regional security landscape.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to address emerging security challenges and deepen strategic ties.

Meanwhile, India and Brazil strengthened their bilateral ties at the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue 2025, reaffirming their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Both nations emphasised cooperation on regional security, maritime freedom and sustainable development.