On Sunday, top Indian military officers confirmed that Operation Sindoor achieved its objective. They shared this during a joint press conference. Air Marshal AK Bharti, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Maj Gen SS Sharma, and Vice Admiral AN Pramod addressed the media. They detailed the planning, strikes, and results of the mission.
Pakistan Launched Drone Attacks First
Vice Admiral Pramod revealed that Pakistan had sent multiple drones across the border. Although “There was no damage on ground from these incursions and these mass raids,” he stated that Pakistan had been launching relentless attacks on Indian air bases, forward positions, and even civilian areas. Therefore, he said, “This was time to convey some message to our adversaries.” So, the Indian military decided to strike back, but carefully.
He further added consequently, "We struck his air bases, command centres, military infrastructure, air defence systems across the entire Western Front. The bases we struck include Chaklala, Rafiki and mind you, Chaklala is Islamabad. Rahim Yar Khan, Sakhar, sending a clear message that aggression will not be tolerated. This was followed by strikes at Sargodha, Bholari, Jacobabad. We also struck the C2 centres at Murid, the UAE complex at Murid, Rafiki, radar at Chunia" He further said, "I would like to reiterate here that we have the capability to target every system at these bases and more. However, it was only a measured response to instil good wisdom to our adversary to refrain from further escalation. Our response was directed only at military installations, avoiding civilian and collateral damage."Air Marshal Bharti Responds to Rafale Rumors
Meanwhile, Air Marshal AK Bharti addressed rumors that India lost Rafale fighter jets. He explained, “we are in a combat scenario and losses are a part of it,” but insisted the main point is that “we achieved our objective.” He said he would not reveal more to avoid giving the enemy any advantage. However, he reassured, “all our pilots are back home.”
Pakistan Suffered Heavy Losses
According to Indian military data, Pakistan lost between 35 to 40 soldiers due to Indian artillery and small arms fire on the Line of Control between May 7 and May 10. The officers noted that Pakistan had “probably not reckoned with the speedy and precise turnaround and hit back” by Indian forces.
India Mourns Its Fallen
However, India also paid a price. The officers confirmed that five Indian personnel lost their lives during the operation. Paying tribute, one officer said, “I pay my solemn homage to my five colleagues and brothers from the armed forces, and civilians who have tragically lost their lives in operations in world.” He added that their sacrifices would be “remembered and spoken of in glowing terms by a grateful nation.”
Operation Sindoor
This military action followed a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, where 26 civilians died. The attackers had links to Pakistan-based terror groups.
So, on May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Ceasefire Followed but Was Short-Lived
Later, both countries reached a ceasefire agreement. US President Donald Trump announced it on May 11. However, just hours later, Pakistan violated the ceasefire. Indian radars detected drones flying over Jammu, Srinagar, Punjab, and Rajasthan.