"CDS Chauhan’s Message to Pakistan: Terror Has a Price Now"

  

On May 10, when Pakistan launched its so-called Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, it aimed to destabilize India in under 48 hours. Instead, by the end of just eight hours, they were the ones on the back foot — dialing India to initiate dialogue.

This wasn’t a fluke. It was Operation Sindoor, India’s preemptive and focused strike campaign, carefully crafted and powerfully executed. In his lecture at Savitribai Phule Pune University, CDS General Anil Chauhan gave the world a rare glimpse into the precision, speed, and intent behind India’s response.

The strikes were clean, hitting only terror infrastructure, but the ripple effects were massive. Not only did it bring Pakistan’s offensive ambitions to a grinding halt, but it also sent shockwaves through their military command. What was once projected as a multi-day confrontation ended in a humiliating fold-up for Islamabad.

And the strikes went deep — from Peshawar to Hyderabad in Pakistan. That geographic span isn’t just impressive; it’s unprecedented.

What this operation symbolizes is a seismic shift in India’s counter-terror strategy. Gone are the days of reactive diplomacy and calculated restraint. India is now proactively defining the battlefield — with global precision, political backing, and a professional force willing to execute it flawlessly.

General Chauhan was emphatic in his tone: “Terrorism has a cost now. We’ve raised the bar.” He reiterated that for any professional military, setbacks and losses are part of the terrain. What matters is morale, adaptability, and willpower. And in that, India has shown unmatched leadership.

Another important takeaway from his address was the connection drawn between terrorism and critical national resources, like water — something rarely acknowledged in the public discourse. By framing terror attacks as a threat to essential lifelines, India is reshaping not only military strategy but policy frameworks.

At the same time, Chauhan did not shy away from calling out Pakistan’s leadership. He criticized General Asim Munir’s inflammatory speeches, including his revival of the two-nation theory and claims over Kashmir. These ideological throwbacks are not just outdated — they are dangerous provocations.

Yet, despite such challenges, India’s message is clear: If you escalate, you will be overwhelmed.

The success of Operation Sindoor is more than a tactical win — it’s a strategic statement. India is no longer willing to absorb provocations silently. Instead, it has the will, the capability, and now, the doctrine, to respond with precision and power.

In today’s age of hybrid warfare and grey-zone threats, India has sent out the clearest message yet: Terror will be punished — swiftly, surgically, and severely.