In a unified press conference on Sunday, senior Indian military officials declared that India had successfully achieved its strategic objectives in the recent India-Pakistan border escalation, despite suffering the loss of a Rafale fighter jet.
Air Marshal AK Bharti, speaking alongside Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai and Vice Admiral AN Pramod, emphasized that the mission targeted designated terrorist infrastructure, not the Pakistani military or civilian areas. “This is combat, and losses are part of it,” Bharti stated, acknowledging the downing of the aircraft. “But the real question is whether we achieved our objectives—and the answer is a thumping yes.”
Targeted Strikes and Strategic Messaging
Lt Gen Ghai clarified that the operations were aimed specifically at “designated terrorist elements” along the Line of Control (LoC). “Our fight is neither with the Pakistani military nor anyone else on the other side,” he said. “We neutralized the threats and adopted a defensive posture thereafter.”
Refusing to disclose operational details, Bharti cited ongoing combat scenarios and national security concerns. “What I can confirm is that our selected objectives were fully achieved,” he reiterated.
Naval Posture and Broader Military Coordination
When asked about the Indian Navy’s rumored involvement in Karachi strikes, Vice Admiral AN Pramod declined to confirm specifics but issued a pointed warning: “We possess both the capability and readiness to deliver a decisive blow. Maritime dominance is firmly with us, and our response is integrated across all service branches.”
Earlier, India launched airstrikes on three Pakistan Air Force bases—Nur Khan, Murid, and Shorkot. In retaliation, Pakistan initiated Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. The confrontation was eventually halted following diplomatic intervention by US President Donald Trump, leading to a ceasefire agreement between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
