A candid admission by India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, has ignited a major controversy across the country, with mounting calls for his resignation following his remarks about the loss of Indian Air Force jets to Pakistan.
In interviews during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, General Chauhan acknowledged that multiple Indian fighter jets — including the advanced French-built Rafale — were destroyed during aerial confrontations with Pakistan in May 2025.
While he withheld the precise number of aircraft lost, General Chauhan stated, “The key issue is why the aircraft were downed, not how many.” The comment has sparked intense backlash and drawn sharp criticism from political leaders, defence experts, and former military officials.
Retired officers and analysts, including defence expert Pravin Sawhney, labelled the revelation as alarming. Sawhney argued that the confirmation of Indian jets being grounded for two days raises serious questions about the success of Operation Sindoor — India’s claimed military success — and warrants General Chauhan’s immediate resignation.
“This disclosure undermines the government’s narrative and military credibility,” Sawhney stated.
The opposition Congress Party was quick to seize on the controversy. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of misleading the nation and demanded an emergency session of Parliament. He also called for the creation of an independent committee to probe the defence lapses.
“The truth is now beginning to surface,” Kharge said. “The public deserves answers, not spin.”
The fallout has even extended to the ruling BJP, with senior figures such as Subramanian Swamy, along with members of hardline nationalist groups, also demanding General Chauhan’s resignation. They have directed pointed criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their handling of the situation and lack of transparency.
The controversy marks a rare and significant moment of public dissent within India’s defence establishment and political elite, as questions swirl over military accountability, operational integrity, and the broader strategic narrative surrounding India-Pakistan tensions.
