In a significant statement on India's strategic evolution, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has described Operation Sindoor as a landmark in the transformation of modern warfare. Speaking at the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, General Chauhan outlined five key aspects of the operation that reflect how future wars will be fought—not just through firepower, but through technology, cyber capability, and information dominance.

1. Operation Sindoor Was a Multi-Domain, Non-Contact Mission

General Chauhan emphasized that Operation Sindoor was a “multi-domain” and “non-contact” mission, marking a fundamental shift in India’s strategic approach. The operation, which commenced on May 7 with air strikes on nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), extended far beyond traditional ground combat.

The mission seamlessly integrated air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains, showcasing India’s ability to conduct coordinated, multi-dimensional warfare. Intelligence, cyber capabilities, and real-time digital coordination between different forces played a critical role in the operation’s success.

2. Misinformation is a New Battlefield: 15% Effort Spent on Countering Fake News

One of the most eye-opening revelations by the CDS was that nearly 15% of the armed forces' efforts during Operation Sindoor were devoted to battling misinformation and fake news.

General Chauhan stated that controlling the narrative and countering misleading propaganda became a critical part of the mission. Fake news was not just a distraction—it was a tactical tool used to disrupt public perception and morale. Indian forces had to remain vigilant, not only on the battlefield but also in the information space.

3. India Withstood Cyber Attacks, Maintains Strong Cyber Defence

The operation also witnessed cyber warfare between both sides, but General Chauhan reassured that India’s military systems remained unaffected due to their advanced security architecture.

“Our systems are air-gapped, meaning they are disconnected from external internet networks,” said the CDS, ensuring that no critical infrastructure could be easily compromised. This underscores India’s growing resilience in the face of cyber threats, a crucial domain in 21st-century warfare.

4. Real-Time Technology Integration is the Future of Warfare

Highlighting the importance of technological synergy, General Chauhan stressed that simply having advanced weapons or platforms is not enough. "Networking and real-time integration" of systems across all domains—air, land, sea, and cyber—is the true force multiplier.

“In today’s world, if your systems are not interconnected, you cannot unleash their full potential,” he noted. Seamless communication between various wings of the military is now more vital than ever.

5. Specialized Military Reforms and Units Are Needed

To keep pace with evolving threats, General Chauhan said the Indian military must restructure and create new dedicated units.

Emerging warfare platforms like drones, EW (Electronic Warfare) systems, and UTAPs (Unmanned Teaming Aerial Platforms) require specialized expertise and infrastructure. The future battlefield will not be fought with conventional weapons alone but will depend heavily on autonomous systems, AI-driven surveillance, and electronic superiority.