In a powerful statement on modern warfare and national security, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan accused Pakistan of using terrorism as a strategic instrument against India. Speaking during a lecture on ‘Future Wars and Warfare’ held in Pune, Maharashtra, General Chauhan shed light on how anti-India sentiments have been deeply embedded in Pakistan’s military thinking.

Pakistan’s Calculated Use of Terrorism

General Chauhan highlighted that Pakistan has normalised anti-India rhetoric within its military establishment, and is employing terrorism as a state-sponsored tactic. Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 as the latest flashpoint in Indo-Pak tensions, the CDS emphasized that the root of these escalations often lies in planned and deliberate acts of violence supported by the Pakistani state.

“Standalone terrorism is irrational, but state-sponsored terrorism appears to be a calculated and rational decision,” said General Chauhan.

Terrorism: Irrational for Individuals, Strategic for States

Delving into the psychology and strategy behind terrorism, General Chauhan remarked that while individual acts of terror carried out by non-state actors lack logic, when a nation-state like Pakistan supports terrorism, it takes on a chilling form of “rational warfare”.

He explained,

“A terrorist has nothing to lose and no defined logic. But when a state employs terrorism as an instrument, it becomes a strategic decision.”

This bold assertion reflects India’s growing concern over Pakistan’s continued involvement in cross-border terrorism, especially at a time when the nature of warfare is evolving from conventional battles to hybrid and asymmetric threats.

Future Wars and Strategic Challenges

The lecture also touched upon broader themes of future conflicts and modern warfare, suggesting that India must prepare for unconventional threats, including cyber warfare, information manipulation, and state-sponsored terrorism.

Conclusion

General Anil Chauhan’s remarks come at a time when geopolitical tensions in the region remain high. His strong words underline the Indian military’s stance that terrorism—when supported by a state—is not merely an isolated threat but a calculated act of war.