During a detailed briefing on Operation Sindoor, senior Indian military officials confirmed the downing of several high-tech Pakistani fighter jets. While the exact number remains undisclosed, the Indian Air Force asserted that enemy aircraft were intercepted and neutralised before they could breach Indian airspace.
Air Marshal AK Bharti stated, “Their planes were prevented from entering inside our border. Definitely, we have downed a few planes… there are losses on their side which we have inflicted.”
Importantly, all Indian pilots have safely returned, and no Indian fighter jets were lost during the operation.
The Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai, revealed that India had carried out strikes on 21 high-value terror-related targets and warned of further action if provocations continue. “We can target more if Pakistan doesn’t mend its ways,” he said.
Pakistan side casualties
On Pakistan’s military casualties, Lt. Gen. Ghai mentioned that between 35 to 40 personnel were likely neutralised along the Line of Control (LoC). He clarified that India’s focus remained strictly on terrorist infrastructure. “Once Pakistan responded by targeting Indian military infrastructure, we used heavier weapons. There would have been further casualties, but assessments are ongoing,” he added.
Regarding Pakistani losses, Air Marshal Bharti commented, “Our job is to hit the target, not to count the body bags. The means we used had the desired effect.”
Lt. Gen. Ghai also shared details of communication with his Pakistani counterpart. Hostilities were paused on May 10 at 5:00 PM following a request from Pakistan’s DGMO. However, Pakistan violated the ceasefire within hours with cross-border firing and drone intrusions. India has since issued a firm warning, and the Army Chief has granted full authority to respond decisively to any further violations.