Op Sindoor Continues: CDS Chauhan Urges Zero-Error Mindset At IAF Graduation Parade, Says No Runners-Up In War
CDS General Anil Chauhan said the Indian Defence forces are committed to adapting to changing environment to remain ready and relevant. Image courtesy: RNA
While a ceasefire might have put an end to the four-day military conflict – Operation Sindoor – between India and Pakistan, it still goes on as Indian Armed Forces are always ready to face any uncertainity. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan has reitirated that our retaliatory operation against Pakistan is still continuing.
Asserting that war and warfare is at the cusp of a major revolution, the CDS on Saturday (December 13, 2025) said the forces are committed to adapting to changing environment and imbibing reforms to remain ready and relevant. He made the remarks while addressing the Combined Graduation Parade of 216 Course at the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, Hyderabad.
CDS General Chauhan stated that India’s strength rests on robust institutions, democratic stability, and unwavering professionalism of our Armed Forces.
At the ceremony that marked the successful completion of pre-commissioning training of flight cadets from various branches of the Indian Air Force, General Chauhan was the Reviewing Officer for the parade, which formally inducted a new batch of officers into the Air Force at a time of sustained operational deployment under Operation Sindoor.
Operation Sindoor sets the operational context
Addressing the graduating cadets, the CDS underlined that Operation Sindoor is continuing, even though the intensity of operations has reduced. He cautioned that modern conflict allows no margin for error, stressing that complacency can be fatal in an era of persistent threats.
“The margin of error is nil and the cost of complacency is unforgiving,” General Chauhan said, adding that the armed forces are operating in a new normal defined by high operational preparedness.
‘No runners-up in war,’ says CDS
Emphasising the realities of contemporary warfare, General Chauhan told the young officers that wars are not won by rhetoric but by purposeful action. He urged them to cultivate a mindset where constant readiness, agility and alertness become habitual. He stressed that there are no runners-up in a war.
“Making victory a habit should be part of this new normal,” he said, highlighting that the ability to remain prepared every hour, every day will define success in ongoing and future operations.
Integrated structures, joint operations, and national pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence are shaping the future of India’s military strength, he said, telling the cadets that “your journey ahead will be accordingly guided by Jai, the first word of Jai Hind, that’s victory.”
‘J’ stands for jointness, fighting as one nation, one force. ‘A’ stands for Atmanirbhar Bharat, trusted platforms and systems made not just for India but for the world. And finally, ‘I’ for innovation, daring to think ahead and to be ahead of the curve, he explained.
Focus on international defence cooperation
The CDS also congratulated trainee officers from Vietnam who graduated from the academy, noting that their presence reflects the growing defence cooperation and mutual trust between India and Vietnam. He said such training exchanges strengthen long-term military-to-military ties and contribute to shared regional security objectives.
Concluding his address, General Chauhan extended his best wishes to all graduating officers, reminding them that the path ahead would demand honour, sacrifice and relentless pursuit of excellence.
