Last Updated:December 13, 2025, 10:55 IST

Addressing new officers at the Air Force Academy, CDS Anil Chauhan stressed constant readiness, agility and purposeful action over rhetoric.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Friday delivered a strong message to young officers, saying wars cannot be won by rhetoric alone but by clear, purposeful action, taking a subtle dig at Pakistan. He was speaking at the Combined Graduation Parade of the Autumn Term, December 2025, at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, where he was the presiding officer.

Purposeful action not rhetoric

In his address, the CDS slammed empty words and symbolic gestures by Pakistan. “Wars cannot be won by rhetoric, but by purposeful action,” he said, pointing out that real strength comes from discipline, planning and decisive execution. His statement came at a time when Pakistan, despite suffering heavy damage during Operation Sindoor, its leaders and social media circulated false victory claims.

He observed that across the world, many regions are witnessing instability caused by weak institutions and reactive decision-making. Such fragility, he said, often leads to prolonged conflict and insecurity.

Contrasting this global picture, General Chauhan said India’s strength lies in its solid institutions and democratic stability. He praised the armed forces for their unwavering professionalism and commitment to duty, which he described as the backbone of national security.

According to him, the Indian military’s credibility comes from its ability to adapt while remaining rooted in strong values and institutional discipline. He told the young officers that they were now custodians of this legacy.

“Around us we often witness developments that signal institutional fragility and reactive adjustments. In contrast, India’s strength rests on robust institutions, democratic stability and unwavering professionalism of our Armed Forces,” added CDS Chauhan.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, General Chauhan said they were joining the armed forces at a critical time, when Operation Sindoor is ongoing. He underlined that the present security environment demands constant readiness and professionalism from India’s military leadership.

Operation Sindoor is on: CDS

The CDS reminded the graduates that their careers were beginning in an era marked by evolving threats and uncertainty. “You are joining the force when Operation Sindoor is on,” he said, stressing that the responsibility on their shoulders would be immediate and real.

He urged the officers to understand that modern military service is not defined by isolated moments of crisis, but by sustained preparedness. According to him, alertness and agility must become daily habits rather than occasional responses.

“Our strength will lie in the ability to remain alert, agile and prepared every hour, every day,” General Chauhan said, adding that making victory a habit should become part of the new normal for the armed forces.

Concluding his speech, the CDS called on the graduating officers to lead by example and remain focused on their mission. He emphasised that vigilance, readiness and professionalism would define their success, not only in times of war but throughout their service.

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