In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Air Marshal AK Bharti addressed the media on Sunday, May 11, 2025, regarding Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians on April 22. Air Marshal Bharti confirmed the safe return of all Indian pilots involved in the operation and asserted that the Indian Air Force successfully achieved its objectives through precision strikes against Pakistan.
Operation Sindoor was initiated on May 7, 2025, with the primary aim of dismantling terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India stated that the operation targeted terror camps and infrastructure linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The operation involved missile strikes on nine locations, reportedly carried out by Rafale aircraft using SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer glide bombs. BrahMos cruise missiles and SkyStriker loitering munitions were also reportedly used.
Air Marshal Bharti emphasized that the strikes were military in nature, designed to avoid civilian casualties. However, Pakistan claimed that the strikes resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
Following India's strikes, Pakistan retaliated with drone attacks on cities including Srinagar and Naliya on the night of May 8-9. India claimed to have intercepted these threats, preventing damage to critical assets. In response, India continued Operation Sindoor, targeting Pakistani airbases, command centers, and military infrastructure. Air Marshal Bharti confirmed hits on airbases in Chaklala, Rafiq, and Rahim Yar Khan, followed by Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad.
When asked about the casualties inflicted on the Pakistan Army, Air Marshal Bharti stated, "Our job is to hit the target, not to count the body bags". Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), mentioned that approximately 35-40 Pakistani army personnel were killed along the Line of Control (LoC) between May 7 and May 10. He clarified that while the initial focus was on terror-related targets, the use of heavier weapons in response to Pakistani air intrusions likely resulted in additional casualties, which were still being assessed.
Air Marshal Bharti also confirmed that several Pakistani fighter jets were downed during the operation. While he did not specify the exact number, he asserted that Indian air defense systems successfully intercepted and neutralized Pakistani aircraft before they could enter Indian airspace. He noted that the absence of wreckage within Indian territory made a precise assessment challenging.
The Indian military acknowledged the loss of five soldiers during Operation Sindoor and paid tribute to their sacrifice. Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai conveyed a "hotline" message to his Pakistani counterpart, emphasizing India's firm resolve to respond fiercely to any further ceasefire violations.
Despite an agreement between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan to implement a ceasefire, violations were reported shortly after the agreement. India accused Pakistan of initiating firing in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir and deploying drones along the border.
Operation Sindoor has drawn international reactions, with countries like Singapore urging both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic means and ensure the safety of civilians.
