CDS Anil Chauhan visited several military forward bases, in a significant morale-boosting move, to enhance operational synergy and operational readiness. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan stopped at several key military installations, including Suratgarh Air Force Station, a critical forward base in Rajasthan near the Indo-Pak border, and Naliya Air Force Station, located in Naliya, Gujarat. Both bases have been historically known to house the MiG-21 Bis squadrons, although they are currently transitioning to the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet.
The visit came in the wake of “Operation Sindoor” and underscores the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to tactical awareness and high alertness. CDS’ visit also aims to boost morale amidst the current geopolitical landscape, with a conditional ceasefire between India and Pakistan in effect. General Chauhan sought to engage front-line troops while highlighting the need for operational readiness, resilience under pressure, and integrating joint preparedness across all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces.
With the CDS were Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander, South Western Command, and Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), South Western Air Command. The top brass of the Indian Armed Forces conducted on-ground assessments of the active troops, reviewed posture, and inspected the newly inducted systems as part of the post-deployment operational cycle.
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff visited Suratgarh Military Station and interacted with troops of #SaptaShaktiCommand.#CDS commended their valour, steadfast commitment and exemplary professionalism in #OperationSindoor.
He was briefed on the Air Defence Counter UAS… pic.twitter.com/oCVuAOHj90— HQ IDS (@HQ_IDS_India) May 19, 2025
CDS Anil Chauhan Congratulates The Success Of Operation Sindoor
CDS Anil Chauhan commended the readiness, discipline, and high morale exhibited by the troops on the ground. He then congratulated the troops on the success of “Operation Sindoor,” India’s targeted action post the terror attack last month. He recognized their exceptional conduct and restraint during the joint tri-service operation that was aimed at neutralizing terror infrastructure across the border.
Addressing the officers, CDS Anil Chauhan praised the valor, professionalism, and strategic acumen shown by the armed forces. He celebrated the success of Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated enhanced air-land integration and network-centric warfare capabilities of the Indian forces. Furthermore, it also saw the deployment of next-generation air defense systems and real-time threat tracking platforms. General Chauhan was later briefed on the current developments at these bases. He emphasized the importance of technological superiority in maintaining a robust national defense.
Meeting With Top Brass: Strategic Deliberations
During his visit, the CDS also held closed-door discussions with the top brass from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. These discussions were centered on joint operations, inter-theater mobility of the forces, and the logistics involved. The interaction between General Anil Chauhan and the top leaders of the bases underscored the unified approach to modern and hybrid warfare scenarios, which is the need of the hour.
Underlined The Importance of Civil-Military Synergy
Concluding his visit, CDS Anil Chauhan addressed the military personnel on the importance of inter-service cooperation and joint operational readiness. He further lauded the civil-military synergy observed during the latest operations helmed by the tri-services and extended his appreciation to the local civil authorities for their unwavering support. He stressed the importance of civil-military synergy in ensuring mission success during such critical operations and in providing swift humanitarian assistance when needed.
Reinforcing National Resolve and Operational Readiness
The CDS’s visit served as a reaffirmation of the Indian Armed Forces’ core tenets of unity, readiness, and unwavering national commitment. It also served as a strong message of deterrence and national resolve to both inside and outside the country. As the nation continues to adopt modern warfare strategies and evolve its armed forces to a global standard, it is ready to face any dynamic threat in today’s volatile geopolitical landscape. The presence of the CDS at the forward bases exemplified the ethos of the Indian army, mission-first leadership.
