In a resounding display of military strength, India announced on Sunday that it had inflicted significant damage on Pakistan’s armed forces during a recent three-day confrontation, including the downing of advanced fighter jets and strikes on critical military facilities near Islamabad.
Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), revealed that between 35 and 40 Pakistani military personnel were killed during “Operation Sindoor,” a meticulously planned mission aimed at neutralizing terror infrastructure and deterring future aggression.
“Our objectives have been met with precision,” Lt Gen Ghai asserted during a high-level press briefing. He added that any future provocations would invite a “very heavy price.”
Senior commanders from the Army, Air Force, and Navy outlined the joint operation, emphasizing how Indian forces successfully thwarted Pakistani attempts to target both civilian and military installations.
Responding to questions, Air Marshal AK Bharti confirmed that Indian forces had downed multiple Pakistani aircraft, although he declined to specify an exact number due to the lack of wreckage on Indian soil. “Their planes never crossed into our airspace. What matters is that we prevented their incursions,” he stated.
Regarding reports of Indian aircraft losses circulating in foreign media, Air Marshal Bharti acknowledged the realities of combat. “Losses are an unfortunate part of warfare,” he said, “but every one of our pilots has returned home safely, and we have achieved the goals we set.”
Operation Sindoor was launched in the early hours of May 7, following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack. Over the course of the mission, Indian forces struck nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating more than 100 terrorists, including high-profile operatives such as Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudasir Ahmed — individuals long wanted for their roles in the IC-814 hijacking and the Pulwama bombing.
Lt Gen Ghai also paid tribute to five Indian soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the operation, describing their sacrifice as a reminder of the price of protecting the nation.
While India maintained a posture of measured restraint throughout the operation, hostilities were brought to a halt after the Pakistani DGMO reached out to his Indian counterpart on Saturday afternoon, seeking an end to the fighting. The ceasefire took effect from 5:00 p.m. Indian Standard Time.
Indian military officials suggested that Pakistan’s call for a ceasefire came after fierce Indian counter-attacks targeted major Pakistani military bases, including Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian.
“We have acted decisively but proportionately,” Lt Gen Ghai said. “The sovereignty and safety of India and its citizens remain non-negotiable.”
