India Warns Pakistan Against ‘Terror and Nuclear Blackmail’, Says Top Defence Chief
| 2025-06-03
CDS Gen Anil Chauhan
India's Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan warns Pakistan against using terror and nuclear threats, citing continued military readiness after Operation Sindoor.
India’s top military official has warned that the country will not live under the “shadow of terror and nuclear blackmail”, as tensions remain high following deadly attacks and retaliatory strikes across the India-Pakistan border.
General Anil Chauhan, India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), delivered the remarks during a lecture on future warfare at Savitribai Phule Pune University on 3 June. The address follows recent military operations and heightened conflict between India and Pakistan, triggered by a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir in April that left 26 people dead.
Speaking to students and military personnel, General Chauhan said Pakistan must not be allowed to use terrorism to destabilise India. “India is not going to live under the shadow of terror and nuclear blackmail,” he declared. “Pakistan should not be able to hold India hostage to terrorist activities.”
Background to Operation Sindoor
The warning comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a military campaign launched by Indian forces on 7 May. The operation targeted what India described as terrorist infrastructure located within Pakistan and the Pakistan-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir, following the 22 April attack in Pahalgam.
General Chauhan characterised the assault in Pahalgam as a “profound cruelty”, stating that the victims—many of whom were killed in front of their families—were targeted “in the name of religion”. He added that the operation was aimed at ending state-sponsored terrorism originating from across the border.
The CDS also said India struck targets deep inside Pakistani territory, reportedly up to 300km from the border, with what he termed “pinpoint accuracy”.
Military Losses and Ceasefire
General Chauhan acknowledged that India suffered setbacks during the campaign. “On May 7, in the initial stages, there were losses,” he said, referencing reports that Indian jets were downed during the strikes. However, he dismissed the losses as secondary to the broader strategic outcome, asserting that “losses are not important, outcomes are”.
He further stated that Pakistan had aimed to paralyse India within 48 hours by launching retaliatory attacks on 10 May, targeting military and civilian infrastructure across several Indian states. However, Indian forces responded quickly, and the Pakistani offensive “folded up in about eight hours”, he claimed.
“Pakistan thought the operations would continue for 48 hours, but by 1 AM they had picked up the telephone and said they wanted to talk,” General Chauhan said.
A ceasefire was agreed upon later that day, though Chauhan stressed that Operation Sindoor is not officially over. “It’s a temporary cessation of hostilities. There is a need to keep our guard up,” he said.
Risks and Strategic Calculations
Addressing the broader implications of India’s military actions, General Chauhan noted the inherent risks involved in engaging a nuclear-armed adversary. He said both countries had invested heavily in new defence capabilities, but warned that such technologies had not yet been fully tested in live conflict.
“There is always an element of risk… but as they say, you cannot succeed if you don’t take that type of risk,” he said, referring to India's belief in its superior counter-drone systems.
Political and Historical Undercurrents
The conflict was further inflamed by remarks made by Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, shortly before the April attack in Pahalgam. Speaking in Islamabad, General Munir described Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and vowed continued support for what he called a “heroic struggle” by Kashmiris.
These comments drew strong objections from New Delhi and were referenced by General Chauhan in his lecture as part of the motivation behind India’s recent military response.
Chauhan also reflected on the cyclical nature of conflict in the region, referencing past operations such as Balakot (2019) and Operation Parakram (2001–2002), both of which followed similar patterns of cross-border attacks, mobilisation, and de-escalation.
Broader Implications
Tensions between India and Pakistan remain volatile, with frequent military skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC) and a history of terror attacks blamed by India on groups operating from Pakistani soil. Both countries are nuclear-armed and have fought three wars since their independence in 1947.
India has repeatedly called on Pakistan to dismantle what it refers to as “terrorist safe havens” and cease support for cross-border militancy. Pakistan denies supporting militant groups and often accuses India of human rights abuses in Kashmir.
General Chauhan’s remarks indicate that India will maintain a posture of military readiness while seeking to avoid prolonged conflict. “We didn't want to get into a long-drawn conflict,” he said. “Operation Sindoor is not over as yet… There is a need to keep our guard up.”
Context
Operation Sindoor marks one of the most extensive cross-border military campaigns since the Balakot air strikes of 2019, which were also prompted by a suicide bombing in Kashmir. Analysts view this new phase of engagement as a sign of India's increasingly assertive military strategy against perceived acts of terrorism.
However, the risk of escalation remains ever-present given the nuclear capabilities of both countries and the complex political sensitivities surrounding Kashmir. The international community has urged both sides to exercise restraint and resume diplomatic dialogue.
While tensions have subsided following the temporary ceasefire, General Chauhan’s comments suggest that India is prepared for further action if provoked. The situation remains fluid, with both nations’ defence establishments closely monitoring developments along the border.
India-US Trade Deal Expected Soon, Says US Commerce Secretary
A trade deal between India and the United States is expected soon, as talks progress towards a bilateral agreement aiming to boost commerce to $500 billion by 2030.
|2025-06-03
US Investigates Adani Group Over Alleged Iranian LPG Shipments
The US Justice Department is reportedly probing Adani Group over suspected imports of Iranian LPG via Mundra port, despite the group's firm denial.
|2025-06-03
Indian YouTuber Faces Backlash in Turkey Over Offensive Remarks
Indian YouTuber Malik Swashbuckler detained in Turkey after posting videos with offensive comments about Turkish women, sparking widespread outrage.
|2025-06-03
Shreyas Iyer’s IPL Success Sparks Calls for India Captaincy Role
Shreyas Iyer leads Punjab Kings to IPL 2025 final, becoming the first to captain three franchises to the finals, prompting calls for India captaincy.
|2025-06-02
Tesla Not Planning Electric Vehicle Manufacturing in India, Minister Confirms
Tesla plans to open showrooms in India but has shown no interest in local EV manufacturing, according to Heavy Industries Minister Kumara Swamy.
|2025-06-02