Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General of Air Operations, has stated that the Indian Air Force’s objective during Operation Sindoor was to neutralize terror targets, not to count casualties on the Pakistan side.
Speaking at a joint press briefing alongside DGMO Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai and Vice Admiral AN Pramod, Bharti emphasized that the precision airstrikes carried out by the Indian Armed Forces had the desired effects on enemy targets.
India’s Strategic Strikes & Pakistan’s Response
Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeted nine terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes resulted in the elimination of high-value targets, including Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudasir Ahmed, who were linked to the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2019 Pulwama attack.
When asked about Pakistan Army casualties, Bharti stated, “Our aim was not to inflict casualties, but in case there have been, it is for them to count. Our job is to hit the target, not to count the body bags.”
Ceasefire Agreement & Violations
Following the strikes, Pakistan proposed a ceasefire, which was agreed upon by both sides on May 10. However, within hours, Pakistan violated the agreement, launching cross-border firing and drone intrusions.
Lt. Gen. Ghai confirmed that India responded robustly, warning Pakistan that any further violations would be met with fierce counteraction.
Global Reactions & Military Strategy
India’s multi-layered air defense strategy has been widely recognized, with experts highlighting its precision targeting capabilities. The strikes have forced several terror hubs to shut down, reinforcing India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.
