India's Military Strength: A Shift Towards Aerial Warfare, Says Senior Congress Leader

In a recent statement, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan highlighted India's military superiority over Pakistan but emphasized a significant shift towards aerial warfare as seen in 'Operation Sindoor'. He questioned the necessity of maintaining a large ground force, suggesting that modern conflicts will rely more on air power and missile technology. Chavan's insights reflect a changing landscape in military strategy, where traditional ground battles may become obsolete. This article delves into his views on the future of warfare and the implications for India's military structure.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 09:11 IST

Military Comparison: India vs. Pakistan

On Tuesday, senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan stated that while India boasts a larger military force compared to Pakistan, the recent 'Operation Sindoor' has highlighted that future conflicts will predominantly rely on air power and missile technology. Chavan noted, "In terms of army size, we have between 1.2 to 1.5 million soldiers, whereas Pakistan has around 500,000 to 600,000. However, this numerical advantage is becoming less significant as ground warfare is evolving."

Questioning the Need for Large Ground Forces

Speaking to reporters, the former Union Minister raised doubts about the necessity of maintaining such a large army. He remarked, "The number of infantry soldiers is no longer a critical factor, as modern warfare does not permit traditional ground battles. During 'Operation Sindoor', we observed that the army did not advance even a kilometer."

Future Warfare Dynamics

Chavan emphasized that the combat during 'Operation Sindoor' was confined to aerial and missile strikes, suggesting that this trend will continue in future conflicts. He questioned the rationale behind maintaining an army of 1.2 million soldiers, proposing that these personnel could be better utilized in other capacities.