Indian Air Force (IAF) Vice Chief Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari revealed on Saturday, August 30, 2025, that fewer than 50 air-launched weapons fired by India during Operation Sindoor were enough to bring Pakistan to its knees, compelling them to sue for peace and a ceasefire.

Speaking at the NDTV Defence Summit, Air Marshal Tiwari shared details of Operation Sindoor, India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the death of 26 civilians. He stated that the operation's key takeaway was that India was able to achieve conflict elimination by firing less than 50 weapons. He emphasized that it is easy to start a war but not as easy to end it. With that in mind, the Indian forces were fully prepared to face any eventuality.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched precision strikes on nine terror bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and mainland Pakistan. Air Marshal Tiwari noted that there were initially a large number of potential targets, which were later narrowed down to nine. The IAF deployed Sukhoi-30MKI, Rafale, and Mirage-2000 fighters to launch BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Crystal Maze-2, Rampage, and Scalp missiles for pinpoint strikes on Pakistani airbases and radar sites. Some of these sites were close to nuclear facilities and command and control structures.

In response to India's strikes, Pakistan launched hundreds of missiles and drones targeting India's civil and military infrastructure. However, India's integrated defence system neutralized all of them mid-air, preventing any damage. Air Marshal Tiwari attributed India's success in rebuffing Pakistani missile and drone strikes to India's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). He added that the IACCS allowed India to absorb the initial impact of the confrontation and respond with a "hard-hitting reply" that compelled Pakistan to request a ceasefire.

Air Marshal Tiwari highlighted that the government had three clear directives: the punitive action had to be "visual and visible" to deter future attacks, and complete operational freedom was given to the military while preparing for possible escalation. He also mentioned that some Pakistani targets "taken out" during the mission were not hit even during the 1971 war. The IAF limited its strikes to military targets to eliminate Pakistan's capability and convey the "right message".

Northern Command chief Lt-General Pratik Sharma said that the Indian Army fired 30,000 artillery and mortar shells and over 3 lakh small arms rounds across the Line of Control in response to Pakistan's ceasefire violations during the May 7-10 hostilities. He added that for every round fired by Pakistan, India retaliated with a minimum of three to four rounds. Lt-Gen Sharma blamed Pakistan army chief Asim Munir for "directly inciting" terrorists and his forces before the Pahalgam terror massacre.