Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan paid a significant visit to two of India’s most strategically located military installations—Suratgarh Military Station in Rajasthan and Naliya Air Force Station in Gujarat. These forward bases, situated near the volatile India–Pakistan border, played a pivotal role in the recently concluded Operation Sindoor. The CDS’s visit came as a high-level gesture of appreciation and recognition for the critical contributions of the armed forces in executing a swift and decisive response to threats emanating from across the border.
Operation Sindoor, launched earlier this month, was a precision strike mission aimed at dismantling cross-border terrorist infrastructure. The operation was carefully calibrated to neutralize identified targets with minimal collateral damage and maximum tactical impact. It has since been hailed as a major success, sending a clear message about India’s willingness and capability to respond to provocations with strength and resolve. The CDS’s visit, timed shortly after the conclusion of this operation, served both as a morale booster for the troops and a reaffirmation of India’s uncompromising stance on national security.
General Chauhan interacted with officers and jawans deployed at both stations and expressed deep appreciation for their courage, discipline, and operational excellence. He underscored the critical role these bases played not only in the execution of Operation Sindoor but also in sustaining India’s strategic deterrence posture along the western front. Naliya Air Force Station, located barely 90 kilometers from the sensitive Sir Creek region, holds particular strategic significance due to its proximity to contested maritime boundaries and its role in securing India’s western coastline. Suratgarh, meanwhile, serves as a key staging ground for ground-based operations and integrated force mobilization in the desert theatre.
Photographs from the visit depicted General Chauhan standing with large contingents of troops, many of whom were positioned in front of India’s legacy air defence platforms, including the 2K12 Kub (NATO designation: SA-6 Gainful) surface-to-air missile systems. These Soviet-era systems, originally inducted decades ago, remain in service and continue to provide medium-range air defence coverage along the western sector. Although the 2K12 Kub’s performance in historical conflicts such as the Gulf War has been debated—with limited success against modern coalition aircraft—it still serves as a deterrent and layered component of India’s evolving air defence architecture.
The CDS acknowledged the need for continuous technological upgradation, but also noted the dedication and ingenuity of Indian troops in maximizing the operational utility of legacy platforms. He emphasized the importance of force readiness, interoperability, and adaptation in the face of evolving threats, particularly from state-sponsored terrorism and asymmetric warfare tactics.
In his address, General Chauhan urged personnel to remain vigilant, physically prepared, and mentally alert in view of the unpredictable security dynamics along the border. He also commended the synergy and coordination displayed by the Army and the Air Force during the execution of Operation Sindoor, calling it a model for future joint operations. His remarks reinforced the government’s commitment to equipping the armed forces with the resources and capabilities they need, while also honoring the indomitable spirit of Indian soldiers who serve in challenging environments.
The visit to Suratgarh and Naliya was not merely ceremonial—it served as a strong message to adversaries that India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty with resolve and clarity. It also reaffirmed the trust and support of the military leadership in the abilities of frontline troops who stand guard at some of the most sensitive borders in the world. With regional tensions continuing to simmer, the CDS’s outreach highlighted the importance of constant preparedness, technological modernization, and unwavering commitment to national security.
