We dominated escalation matrix in 4-day conflict: CDS Chauhan on Op Sindoor

Jammu Tawi, May 14: India “dominated the escalation matrix” during the four days of conflict under Operation Sindoor, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan said on Thursday, highlighting the role of superior situational awareness and integrated military systems.

Speaking at the ‘Kalam and Kavach’ defence conclave at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, Gen Chauhan said India maintained an operational edge throughout the engagement due to its ability to track and respond effectively to adversary actions.

“We dominated the escalation matrix on all four days because we had superior situation awareness,” he said. “We knew what we had to do, what the adversary was doing, and were able to counter it effectively.”

He emphasised that this advantage stemmed from integrated systems that enabled real-time monitoring not only within India but also across borders. “That situational awareness wasn’t limited to our own territory; it extended beyond. That’s why we were able to maintain dominance,” he said.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 last year in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, with Indian forces carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Addressing future warfare challenges, Gen Chauhan underlined the evolving nature of conflicts, pointing to the increasing relevance of non-contact and non-kinetic warfare alongside conventional operations.

“You’ve seen operations moving towards non-contact and non-kinetic formats,” he said, while cautioning that India must remain prepared for traditional warfare as well, given its disputed land borders.

At the same time, he noted that newer domains of warfare offer advantages. “If given an option, we should fight in newer domains where it is easier to create asymmetry and achieve results,” he said.

The CDS also flagged the importance of clearly defined military objectives and exit strategies, warning against prolonged engagements.

“There is a growing tendency among nations to use force, but exiting a conflict is a major challenge. Objectives must be clear, and once achieved, there should be a defined withdrawal plan. There is no point in lingering,” he said.

Gen Chauhan’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions on modernising India’s military strategy to address both conventional threats and emerging domains of warfare.