Fake News Took Up 15% of Army’s Time During Operation Sindoor: CDS General Chauhan
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has revealed that misinformation significantly hampered military operations during Operation Sindoor, with nearly 15 per cent of the armed forces’ time spent countering false narratives.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, General Chauhan emphasised the need for a composed communication strategy during such high-stakes moments. “Dealing with fake news was an ongoing challenge. We deliberately avoided a reactive approach, opting instead for steady and credible messaging to avoid distorting public perception,” he said.
He underscored India’s commitment to credibility in its information campaigns, even if responses sometimes appear delayed. “India’s strength lies in the authenticity of its narrative, even when it’s not the first to respond,” he noted. “For the initial days, communication was led by two women officers, as senior commanders were fully engaged on the ground. It wasn’t until the 10th that DGMOs addressed the media.”
On cyber threats, General Chauhan acknowledged their presence during the conflict but said their influence on core operations was minimal. “There were cyberattacks, including denial-of-service attempts, but our critical systems remain air-gapped from the internet, ensuring a high level of security,” he explained.
Understanding the Shifting Battlefield
In a separate address on “Future Wars and Warfare,” General Chauhan discussed the evolving nature of combat. He said that modern warfare now involves a complex interplay of tactical, operational, and strategic layers, integrating traditional domains like land, sea, and air with newer arenas such as cyber and space.
“This convergence reshapes how wars are fought,” he said. “We’re moving away from large, static platforms to more agile and deceptive strategies. The battlefield today demands distributed forces, non-linear operations, and demassification.”
He highlighted the need for seamless real-time integration across all domains. “Technology alone isn’t enough. Unless systems across land, sea, air, and cyber are networked and integrated in real time, we won’t be able to maximise our capabilities,” General Chauhan said. He also posed a strategic question: “Should the cutting edge of technology lie in the weapon, the platform, or the network? That’s something we must define clearly.”
