Operation Sindoor: Indian Forces Entered 300 Km Inside Pakistan, Confirms CDS General Chauhan

Operation Sindoor:

In a stunning revelation that underscores a shift in India’s military posture, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan confirmed that Indian forces penetrated up to 300 kilometers inside Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a precision military campaign launched in May 2025. This announcement was made during the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, signaling a new chapter in India’s defense strategy.

The operation, which took place on May 7, 2025, was launched in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 civilian lives. According to General Chauhan, the Indian Air Force (IAF) executed coordinated air strikes on nine terror infrastructure targets spread across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with the most significant damage reported in Bahawalpur, a region long believed to house key terror outfits.

General Chauhan stated, “We were able to penetrate enemy air defenses up to 300 kilometers with pinpoint precision, using a combination of indigenous systems and advanced imported platforms.” His remarks highlighted a crucial development in India’s conventional strike capabilities—executing long-range attacks while maintaining control over escalation dynamics.

Despite the high-stakes nature of the operation, communication lines between India and Pakistan remained active, helping to prevent miscalculations that could have led to wider conflict. This de-escalatory mechanism, military analysts suggest, may have played a key role in preventing any regional flare-up.

The operation was not without losses. The CDS acknowledged that IAF jets were lost during the early stages, a rare admission that underscores the risks involved. However, he emphasized that the forces swiftly adapted and recalibrated their strategy, returning stronger and more effectively.

Pakistan’s claim of downing six Indian aircraft was categorically rejected by General Chauhan, who labeled the figures as “absolutely incorrect.” He also dismissed foreign media speculation, particularly from the United States, suggesting that Operation Sindoor brought the region close to nuclear war. “Those assertions are far-fetched,” he said, adding that there was no imminent threat of nuclear use at any point during the operation.

As of now, the India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement remains in place. However, General Chauhan issued a stern warning: “The future of the ceasefire depends entirely on Pakistan’s actions. India’s red lines are clear, and we will not hesitate to act decisively if provoked again.”

Defense experts believe that Operation Sindoor represents a doctrinal shift—demonstrating India’s willingness and capability to conduct deep-strike operations while maintaining strategic restraint. The operation is now viewed as a watershed moment in modern Indian military history, redefining the country’s conventional deterrence against cross-border terrorism.

With this bold maneuver, India has not only sent a message to its adversaries but also signaled to the world its growing military confidence and maturity in managing complex security scenarios without spiraling into uncontrolled escalation.

Highlights:

Launched on May 7, 2025, in response to April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
Indian Air Force penetrated 300 km deep into Pakistan territory.
Nine terror targets struck across Pakistan and PoK, including major hits in Bahawalpur.
General Anil Chauhan confirmed precision strikes using indigenous and imported systems.
IAF jets lost in early stages; tactics adjusted and operations resumed effectively.
Pakistan’s claim of downing six Indian jets dismissed as false.
Nuclear escalation ruled out; India maintained communication with Pakistan to avoid conflict.
CDS warned that future ceasefire depends on Pakistan’s behavior.
Operation marked a turning point in India’s modern military doctrine