New Delhi: In a significant address marking the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasized the Indian Armed Forces’ ongoing initiatives to maintain strategic superiority and readiness against perceived threats. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, General Chauhan outlined the comprehensive efforts being undertaken to enhance warfighting doctrines, strategies, and capabilities.
Presenting the Kargil Honours, General Chauhan expressed profound gratitude to the veterans and Veer Naris (war widows) for their immense contributions and sacrifices during the Kargil War. He also commended the Indian Defence Industry for its pivotal role in supporting national defense efforts.
“Capability development, including infrastructure and robust operational logistics, is being pursued progressively through indigenous means to build future-ready Armed Forces,” stated General Chauhan. He highlighted that multiple re-organization and restructuring initiatives are underway to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of warfighting capabilities.
Addressing the evolving nature of security challenges, General Chauhan underscored the imperative need for the Armed Forces to be prepared for multi-domain and multi-spectrum threats. “There is an inescapable requirement for seamless integration across all domains – land, sea, air, space, information, and cyberspace – and for the infusion of interoperable systems among various branches of the Armed Forces,” he said.
Reflecting on the lessons from the Kargil conflict, General Chauhan noted the significance of vigilance and preparedness in safeguarding national borders. “The Kargil conflict highlighted the importance of maintaining vigilance and preparedness for safeguarding our borders. It also emphasized the role of public and international diplomacy, which was effectively used to maintain the neutrality of inimical nations and garner global support,” he remarked.
General Chauhan also discussed the steps taken towards the integration of the Armed Forces, moving beyond jointness to promote a joint culture and integration across multiple domains. He stressed the importance of the information domain as a key battleground, noting that the Kargil War, as India’s first televised conflict, demonstrated the impact of media narratives on public perception.
“The Kargil War has become synonymous with resoluteness, selflessness, fierce courage, and the determination of our Armed Forces. It collectively exhorts the nation to focus on future threats and challenges,” concluded General Chauhan.