Indian military officers have stated that the objectives of Operation Sindoor have been achieved, but they have refrained from confirming reports about the possible loss of Rafale fighter jets during the operation, emphasising that losses are a part of any combat scenario.
During a press briefing on Sunday, Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Maj Gen SS Sharma, and Vice Admiral AN Pramod addressed the media, providing details on the impact and results of the cross-border action, which targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Responding to queries about the reported downing of Rafale jets, Air Marshal Bharti said, “We are in a combat scenario and losses are a part of it. The question is, have we achieved our objective? The answer is a thumping yes. As for details, at this time I would not like to comment on that as we are still in combat and would not want to give an advantage to the adversary. All our pilots are back home.”
The military officers noted that the intense fighting along the Line of Control (LoC) and air strikes over the past week resulted in significant damage to Pakistan’s military assets, including the elimination of several ‘high-value’ targets.
According to the officers, approximately 35 to 40 Pakistani soldiers were killed in artillery and small arms exchanges between May 7 and May 10.
“What the other side had probably also not reckoned with was the speedy and precise turnaround and hit back,” the Indian military said.
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The Indian side confirmed that five of its personnel were killed in the operation.
“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. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families… and we express our solidarity to them in this lifetime and beyond. At this grave juncture in their lives, their sacrifices shall always be remembered and spoken of in glowing terms by a grateful nation,” one of the officers said.
The press conference comes after a tense period of conflict that saw the exchange of heavy artillery, missile strikes, and drone intrusions. The confrontation began after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror infrastructures in response to the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed by militants with suspected Pakistani links.
After more than three days of intense cross-border exchanges, India and Pakistan reached an ‘understanding’ on Saturday to immediately halt all land, air, and sea operations. The ceasefire, announced by US President Donald Trump, was breached by Pakistan within hours, as multiple drones were intercepted over Jammu, Srinagar, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
The military leadership, however, remained resolute, insisting that the operation had achieved its strategic goals and that India’s response would continue to be firm and decisive in the face of future provocations.
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