EP-296 | India-Pakistan Ceasefire: What's the Road Ahead? | Lt Gen Satish Dua (Retd)
May 10, 2025
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Satish Dua, a retired Lieutenant General and former Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, shares his insights on the shifting landscape of India-Pakistan relations. He discusses the rise of drone warfare and India's enhanced air defense mechanisms. Dua highlights the troubling trend of Pakistan targeting civilians, contrasting it with India's strategic precision on terror sites. He expresses optimism about the patriotism of Indian youth and addresses the broader implications of nuclear tensions and misinformation in shaping public perception and military strategies.
Lieutenant General Satish Dua highlights the evolving nature of drone warfare and India's proactive air defense measures to counter threats.
General Dua contrasts India's ethical military approach focused on civilian safety with Pakistan's disregard for collateral damage during conflicts.
The podcast discusses a rising sense of patriotism among Indian youth, reflecting a willingness to support national defense initiatives amidst ongoing tensions.
Deep dives
Ongoing Military Conflict and Strategic Responses
The current military conflict between India and Pakistan has escalated significantly, with continuous shelling reported across multiple states including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and even Gujarat. India’s air defense systems have effectively negated air intrusions while short-range missiles have primarily been deployed, showcasing a robust defense capability. General Satish Dua emphasizes that these attacks are attempts by Pakistan to probe gaps in India's air defense. He stresses the importance of maintaining vigilance, as these hostilities potentially threaten civilian areas and religious sites.
Narrative Control through Media and Technology
The Indian government has made strides in managing the narrative surrounding military operations, utilizing video clips to provide real-time evidence of targets struck, a tactic not seen in past operations like the Uri surgical strike. This increased transparency aims to counter previous skepticism from the media and opposition regarding the effectiveness of military responses. General Dua notes that by showcasing current video evidence of intact airfields claimed to have been destroyed by Pakistan, India seeks to reinforce its credibility. This approach not only addresses misinformation but also helps in reassuring the public of the military's efficacy.
Ethical Considerations in Military Engagement
Throughout military operations, India's armed forces have maintained a strict ethical code, often prioritizing civilian safety even in combat situations. This contrasts starkly with Pakistan's approach, where collateral damage appears to be less of a concern. General Dua illustrates that while India avoids heavy weaponry to protect civilians, the Pakistani military employs gunships and larger strikes with far less regard for civilian life. This principled stance underlines India's commitment to responsible military engagement amid provocations.
Public Sentiment and National Unity
In light of recent military events, there is a notable shift in public sentiment towards national unity and volunteerism, with many citizens willing to engage in civil defense efforts. The army's historical context during previous conflicts bolsters this sense of patriotism, as narratives of sacrifice and bravery resonate deeply with the populace. General Dua points out that contemporary youth, although they have not experienced war firsthand, are actively stepping up to support national defense initiatives. This reflects a growing awareness and readiness among citizens, fostering a collective resolve amidst threats.
Challenges of Misinformation and Propaganda
The battleground has evolved to include narratives and information warfare, where Pakistan effectively uses propaganda to advance its interests. Instances of fabricated reports, such as fake news about Indian military operations and captured pilots, highlight the competition in narrative control. General Dua stresses the need for India to engage in this battle of narratives more proactively, leveraging credible information to counteract misinformation. The necessity of maintaining a credible narrative is critical, given the massive impact such misinformation can have on public perception and international relations.
Lieutenant General Satish Dua (Retd) served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and was also the Corps Commander of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps. He played a key role in planning and executing the Uri surgical strikes in Kashmir.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he shares insights on the evolving nature of drone warfare between India and Pakistan, and how India's air defence systems have responded. He also speaks about the deep sense of patriotism among Indian youth and their unwavering commitment to the country.
General Dua further explains why Pakistan has targeted temples, hospitals, and civilian infrastructure and contrasts it with India’s focused strikes on terror sites within Pakistan.
Note: This episode was recorded on May 10 at 11 AM, before the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement.
*Timestamps*
00:00 – Introduction
00:45 – India vs Pakistan: Drone Warfare
09:53 – Pakistan Targeting Civilians
15:03 – India’s Patriotic Youth
29:00 – Pakistan’s Nuclear Threat
35:02 – Disinformation in the Media
44:38 – CCS Meeting Chaired by PM Modi
52:59 – India-Pakistan Territorial Issues
1:01:59 – U.S. Role in India-Pakistan Tensions
1:12:33 – The Idea of India
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