'Losses are part of combat': Indian Air Marshal responds to Rafale downing
Acknowledging the losses as part of the cost of combat, Indian Air Marshal AK Bharti said on Sunday that India had successfully achieved its military objectives in the recent cross-border escalation with Pakistan.
In a press briefing held jointly by the Director Generals of Military Operations from all three branches of the Indian armed forces, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Air Marshal AK Bharti and Vice Admiral AN Pramod provided an account of the recent escalation along the Line of Control (LoC), claiming that India's military objectives had been achieved following days of intense fighting with Pakistan.
Addressing the media, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai clarified that India's operations were not directed at the Pakistani military or civilians but were aimed solely at what he termed 'designated terrorist elements.'
'Our fight is neither with the Pakistani military nor with anyone else on the other side. Our target was the terrorists we had identified. We neutralised them and subsequently maintained an air defense posture,' he stated.
When questioned about the downing of a Rafale fighter jet during the operation, the Air Marshal Bharti acknowledged the possibility of losses but framed them as an inherent risk in active combat.
'This is combat, and losses are part of it. But the real question is whether we achieved our objectives—and the answer is a thumping yes. We dismantled the terrorist infrastructure we set out to neutralise, and the results are evident for the world to see.'
Bharti declined to provide specifics regarding the platforms or weapons used, citing ongoing operations and national security concerns, adding, 'We are still in a combat scenario. Revealing operational details would only benefit our adversary. What I can confirm is that our selected objectives were fully achieved.'
Responding to questions about reports of Indian Navy attacks on Karachi, Vice Admiral AN Pramod of Indian Navy refused to divulge operational specifics but issued a stern warning.
'We have the quantitative and qualitative capabilities to deliver a massive blow to our adversary. We dominate the maritime domain completely. The Navy's action is part of a broader escalation ladder mechanism coordinated among all three services.'
Earlier on Saturday, India carried out airstrikes on three Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases — Nur Khan, Murid, and Shorkot. In response, Pakistan launched a retaliatory military operation named 'Bunyan-un-Marsoos' against the Indian aggression. Following the intervention of US President Donald Trump to de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed states, a ceasefire was reached.
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