Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Thursday shared new insights into the planning of Operation Sindoor while addressing students at the Raj Bhavan in Jharkhand. For the first time, he explained why May 7 was selected for the strike and how meticulous coordination led to its success.
General Chauhan revealed that the operation, which targeted nine terrorist hideouts inside Pakistan, was carried out between 1 a.m. and 1.30 a.m. on May 7. He emphasised that the timing was chosen carefully to minimise civilian harm and property loss. Clear weather conditions on that date also played a crucial role in ensuring accuracy.
“The skies were clear, which made it easier to hit our targets,” he said, describing the mission as “a testament to the unparalleled capability, acumen, and coordination” of the three services, news agency IANS reported. He highlighted that the air force executed precision targeting, while the army and navy held critical positions across land and sea.
#WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: CDS Gen Anil Chauhan says, “… On the 7th (of May), the terrorist targets we had chosen, we struck them between 1:00 and 1:30 at night… Why did we strike at 1:30 at night? That is the darkest time, it would be the most difficult to get satellite… pic.twitter.com/Rxtuubk8Kg
— ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2025
In a video shared by news agency ANI, he shared that the Navy was also involved in Operation Sindoor. “We have normally read that the army engaged seven targets and the Air Force two targets; very few people know that the Navy was also involved in Operation Sindoor. The Navy has capabilities to attack far-reaching targets with loiter ammunition. They had S400 and S130 as weapons…Navy marcos and commandos were deployed in J&K and Punjab…They used their weapons in a precise manner for army targets.”
Operation Sindoor Strategy Different from Balakot, Uri Strikes, CDS Says
General Chauhan pointed out that Operation Sindoor employed a fresh strategy compared to the Balakot and Uri operations, to have a surprise element. “This time, drone technology was also successfully used. Hitting a target 120 km away in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, reflects technical and professional proficiency,” he explained.
He further noted that, unlike previous strikes, this time the armed forces were able to gather concrete evidence of damage. “Photographs and videos were taken — something that could not be done during the Balakot operation,” he added.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Encouraging young students to look at the armed forces as a career path, the CDS said the services provide “variety, adventure, and an opportunity to serve the nation.” He spoke of the unique opportunities offered by each wing — from global voyages with the navy, to flying at high altitudes with the air force, and overcoming challenges with the army.
Sharing his own journey, he recalled his modest beginnings, studying at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kolkata, and deciding to join the army while still in school. Highlighting the importance of teamwork, he told students, “Emotional Quotient (EQ) is more important than Intelligence Quotient (IQ) for success in the military. No achievement is possible without teamwork.”
General Chauhan also reminded the audience that the armed forces enjoy the people’s respect because of their “glorious tradition and sacrifices since 1947.” He urged the youth to take responsibility for India’s future, saying: “The responsibility of building a Viksit Bharat is not just with the government, but also with you. I believe India’s future lies within you.”
The event at Raj Bhavan was also attended by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth.
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