General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff of India, articulated a robust stance on India’s defense strategy during the Ran Samvad-2025 seminar, emphasizing that while India is a peace-loving nation, it cannot afford to be pacifist, highlighting the notion that “peace without power is utopian.” He reflected on Operation Sindoor, stating it is still ongoing and has provided valuable lessons that are currently being implemented. The CDS outlined four critical trends shaping future warfare: an increased propensity for short-duration conflicts to achieve political goals, a blurring of the lines between war and peace, the importance of public resilience in conflict, and the evolving metrics of victory defined by operational speed and precision strikes rather than mere casualties. He underscored the necessity for India to boost self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defense, integrating advanced technologies and fostering joint training across military domains to enhance operational effectiveness. Additionally, Chauhan called for serious academic discourse on military strategy, leadership, and technological advancements, arguing that a comprehensive understanding of both historical and contemporary warfare is essential for India’s transformation into a powerful and secure nation. The seminar aims to foster strategic dialogue among military professionals and is a crucial step toward enhancing India’s military preparedness in the face of rapidly changing global dynamics. This initiative signifies a decisive pivot towards developing a holistic and integrated approach to defense, ensuring that India remains firmly positioned as a formidable force regionally and globally.