Speaking in Pune, General Anil Chauhan said real military victory is proven by evidence, not rhetoric, citing outcomes like damaged terror infrastructure and crippled air defence systems during Operation Sindoor. He stressed that India’s defence strategy for the next decade must be shaped by realistic threat assessments in an increasingly competitive, confrontational and technologically disruptive security environment. The CDS warned that slogans cannot replace verifiable results and called for a sober approach to future warfare, capability building and preparedness. His remarks signal a shift toward evidence-based military planning as India recalibrates its long-term defence posture amid evolving regional and global security challenges.