Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasized that the deployment of the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the 1962 Sino-Indian war could have significantly slowed the Chinese offensive. He noted that while the use of air power was viewed as “escalatory” at the time, this perception has evolved, as evidenced by recent operations like Operation Sindoor, where air capabilities were effectively employed. General Chauhan highlighted that the differing historical contexts and terrains of regions like Ladakh and the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) warranted distinct military strategies. He suggested that the absence of an air offensive was a strategic blunder of the Nehru era, as India’s air superiority at the time could have altered the war’s dynamics. Additionally, the CDS’s tenure has been extended until May 2026, reflecting the government’s confidence in his leadership. This discussion underscores a critical reassessment of historical military strategies and the evolving role of air power in India’s defense posture, suggesting a more assertive approach in contemporary geopolitics as India adapts to changing security challenges.