In a rare tri-service press briefing on Sunday, senior officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force provided a detailed account of the recently conducted Operation Sindoor — a swift and decisive military response to the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Between May 7 and May 10, Indian officials confirmed that the Pakistan Army suffered between 35 and 40 fatalities along the Line of Control (LoC).
According to Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, Indian forces executed precise and coordinated attacks targetting terror hideouts and essential military infrastructure across the LoC. He revealed that these strikes were part of a larger effort to counter persistent security threats, including the recent terror assault in Pahalgam that claimed both civilian and military lives.
During the operation, the Pakistani side reportedly attempted multiple aerial strikes using drones and aircraft, aiming at airbases and key logistical assets. However, Indian air defenses successfully repelled these incursions. “Not a single intended target was hit,” Bharti asserted. “Our response was swift and deliberate.”
Pakistan’s Losses Mount in Response to Pahalgam Attack
Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai also addressed the media, confirming the significant losses suffered by Pakistan during this phase. He stated that small arms and artillery exchanges along the LoC between May 7 and 10 accounted for the bulk of the Pakistani casualties. “We estimate between 35 and 40 Pakistani personnel were lost in these engagements,” Ghai said.
The Indian side lost five soldiers during these operations. General Ghai noted that Operation Sindoor, initiated on the night of March 7–8, also resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists. Among the dead were high-profile operatives such as Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudassir Ahmed — all considered top threats by Indian intelligence.
Tensions Persist Despite Ceasefire Agreement
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a ceasefire understanding was reached between the DGMOs of both nations. However, reports of violations emerged just hours after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri publicly announced the ceasefire agreement.
Addressing these developments, Misri strongly condemned the breach. “The understanding to cease military activity across all domains was clear. Pakistan’s violation is unacceptable,” he stated. The Indian Army, he added, is fully prepared to counter further aggression.
Misri also confirmed that India’s forces remain on high alert along both the LoC and the international border. “Any recurrence of violations will be met with firm military action,” he warned.
Relative Calm Returns to Jammu and Kashmir
Despite the earlier escalations, the situation in major areas of Jammu and Kashmir appeared calm overnight. Ground reports from Kupwara, Samba, Poonch, and Rajouri indicated no further shelling or drone activity. Amritsar, however, continues to remain under tight security as a precautionary measure.
The joint military statement and the visible unity among the Army, Navy, and Air Force reflect a clear message: India remains committed to neutralising cross-border terrorism while keeping escalation in check.
