Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan recently concluded a pivotal visit to two strategically important military installations—Suratgarh Military Station in Rajasthan and Naliya Air Force Station in Gujarat. These bases, located near the fraught India–Pakistan border, played vital roles during the recently executed Operation Sindoor. This operation was launched earlier this month and focused on precision strikes aimed at dismantling cross-border terrorist infrastructure. The CDS’s visit was a gesture of appreciation and acknowledgment for the armed forces’ crucial contributions in responding effectively to threats from across the border.
Operation Sindoor has been recognized as a major success for its careful calibration, which ensured minimal collateral damage while maximizing tactical effectiveness. The swift and decisive nature of this mission sent a clear message regarding India’s readiness and ability to counter provocations. General Chauhan’s visit, occurring shortly after the operation’s completion, served to boost troop morale and reaffirm the nation’s steadfast commitment to national security.
During the visit, General Chauhan engaged with both officers and jawans at the military stations, expressing profound gratitude for their courage, discipline, and operational excellence. He highlighted the essential roles that Suratgarh and Naliya play in maintaining India’s strategic deterrence along the western front. Naliya, situated approximately 90 kilometers from the sensitive Sir Creek region, is particularly significant given its proximity to contested maritime boundaries. It serves as a pivotal hub in securing India’s western coastline. Meanwhile, Suratgarh operates as a critical staging ground for ground-based operations and integrated force mobilization in desert conditions.
Photographs from the visit showcased General Chauhan with large contingents of troops, some positioned in front of legacy air defense systems, including the 2K12 Kub (NATO designation: SA-6 Gainful) surface-to-air missile systems. Although these Soviet-era systems have faced scrutiny regarding their success against modern aircraft, they still play a vital role in providing medium-range air defense coverage. The CDS acknowledged the necessity for ongoing technological upgrades, while also praising the ingenuity of Indian troops in optimizing the operational capabilities of these legacy platforms.
In his address, General Chauhan emphasized the importance of force readiness and adaptability in the context of rising threats, particularly from state-sponsored terrorism and asymmetric warfare. He urged the personnel to remain vigilant, physically fit, and mentally sharp, given the unpredictable security landscape along the border. He also lauded the effective collaboration between the Army and Air Force during Operation Sindoor, describing it as a benchmark for future joint operations.
The significance of General Chauhan’s visit transcended ceremonial aspects; it conveyed a strong message to adversaries about India’s resolve to protect its sovereignty. His engagement also reinforced military leadership’s trust in the capabilities of frontline troops stationed at some of the most sensitive borders globally. As regional tensions persist, the CDS’s outreach underscored the essential nature of constant preparedness, technological modernization, and an unwavering commitment to national security.
