CDS says Islamabad changes admit setbacks as India pushes joint commands
January 10, 2026: Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan said Operation Sindoor forced Pakistan to rush constitutional amendments and restructure its higher defence organisation, indicating the operation did not go in Islamabad’s favour. He said Pakistan abolished the chairman of Joint Chiefs post and centralised land and strategic powers, exposing serious command weaknesses.
Speaking at the Pune Public Policy Festival, Gen Chauhan warned that Pakistan’s new structure reflects a land centric mindset and excessive centralisation that could create internal challenges. He contrasted this with India’s system, where decisions are taken collectively under the Chiefs of Staff Committee with integrated planning across domains.
Highlighting lessons from Sindoor Balakot Doklam and Galwan, the CDS said India is moving toward a standardised joint command system. He added that while technology is reshaping warfare, India must remain prepared for both advanced non contact conflicts and traditional attritional battles.