MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, has caused an uproar after openly admitting that Pakistani forces destroyed several Indian jets and people making resignation demands, including advanced Rafale aircraft, during clashes in May 2025.
His comments, made during interviews with Bloomberg and Reuters in Singapore, at the Shangri-La Dialogue, have led to fierce criticism and resignation demands.
When asked about the losses, General Chauhan avoided giving exact numbers but said, “The key issue is why the aircraft were downed, not how many.”
This response has angered many in India, with critics accusing him of downplaying a major military failure.
Former army officer and defence expert Pravin Sawhney called the admission deeply troubling, saying the fact that Indian jets were unable to fly for two days was serious enough for General Chauhan to step down.
He also questioned India’s official claims of success in Operation Sindoor, suggesting the truth was now coming out.
He also made resignation demands of India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, following his admission that Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft remained grounded for two days during a recent conflict.
In a statement, Sawhney argued that General Chauhan’s acknowledgement of the IAF’s operational failure was grounds for his resignation.
He further claimed that after the confirmation of Indian aircraft being shot down, the Modi government should appoint a new CDS and a new Air Chief.
Sawhney criticized General Chauhan’s understanding of military strategy, stating that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had gained air superiority early in the conflict, which decisively influenced the outcome.
He alleged that the Indian Air Force has been in decline since the Modi government came to power and emphasized the need for leadership that comprehends modern warfare dynamics.
Sawhney remarked that it is astonishing that despite such admissions, the Indian government continues to claim success in Operation Sindoor, referring to the military operation.
The comments have sparked debate over India’s defence preparedness and leadership, with calls for accountability at the highest levels of the military establishment.
Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, accusing it of hiding the facts. “Now the truth is coming to light,” he said, demanding an emergency parliamentary debate and an independent investigation into the military’s failures.
Even some hardline nationalist figures and members of Modi’s own BJP party, like Subramanian Swamy, have joined the criticism, calling for General Chauhan’s resignation and blaming the government for the embarrassing revelations.
The controversy has raised serious concerns about India’s military readiness and transparency, with growing pressure on the country’s leadership to take responsibility, and making resignation demands.
