Delhi: India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has said that the changes recently made by Pakistan to its Constitution reflect serious shortcomings exposed during Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the Pune Public Policy Festival, the CDS remarked that the neighbouring country’s hurried constitutional amendments are a clear sign that the operation did not go as planned for them.
General Chauhan stated that Operation Sindoor has only been paused and not concluded. He explained that Pakistan’s internal reforms, including alterations to its higher defence structure, indicate an effort to address weaknesses that came to light during the operation.
Referring to amendments made to Pakistan’s Constitution, the CDS pointed out that the restructuring of its defence command system is of particular significance for India. He noted that Pakistan has done away with the post of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, which was originally meant to encourage coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force. In its place, a new position called the Chief of Defence Forces has been introduced.
However, General Chauhan highlighted a key concern: the authority to appoint the Chief of Defence Forces rests with Pakistan’s Army Chief, which, according to him, undermines the principle of joint military leadership. He also spoke about the creation of a National Strategy Command and the strengthening of rocket and strategic forces, suggesting that these moves concentrate power and reflect a largely land-focused military approach.
The CDS added that these developments place expanded responsibility on Pakistan’s Army Chief, covering conventional operations, joint military actions, and strategic and nuclear matters. While such changes may enhance Pakistan’s capabilities in some areas, they also signal an attempt to centralise control following operational setbacks.
On India’s own defence reforms, General Chauhan said the process of establishing integrated theatre commands is nearing completion. Although the government has extended the deadline to May 30, 2026, the armed forces are working to put the new structure in place much earlier.
