India’s top military leadership — including the Director Generals of Military Operations and senior officers from the Navy and Air Force — convened for a high-level press briefing on Monday to present a detailed account of Operation Sindoor. The operation, triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, marked India’s largest coordinated military retaliation in recent memory, spanning air, sea, and land-based operations.
From Tactical Strike to Strategic Posture
Initially conceived as a precise counter-terror mission, Operation Sindoor evolved into a multi-theatre military engagement. Beginning at 1:05 am on May 7, the operation struck nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), reportedly neutralizing over 100 terrorists. The Indian Air Force (IAF), Navy, and Army operated under a cohesive doctrine, rapidly transitioning from tactical to strategic readiness.
Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director-General of Operations for the IAF, confirmed that the Air Force had struck military installations near Karachi, including a radar site at Malir Cantonment and suspected HQ-9 systems near Lahore. The use of Israeli-made HARPY drones to neutralize radar installations and the targeting of PAF bases housing F-16s and JF-17s — including Sargodha and Bholari — indicate deep targeting capability and real-time battlefield integration.
Naval Power Projection
Vice Admiral AN Pramod detailed the Navy’s aggressive deployment off Karachi’s coast. Carrier battle groups and submarines pinned down Pakistan’s maritime forces, forcing them into defensive positions. The Navy adopted a “deterrent posture with full readiness to strike select targets at sea and on land, including Karachi,” highlighting India’s intent to dominate the battlespace beyond its borders.
Air Defence and Indigenous Systems in Combat
Among the most significant revelations was the robust performance of India’s indigenous defence infrastructure. Air Marshal Bharti underscored the successful deployment of the Akash surface-to-air missile system and India’s counter-UAS capabilities. Soft and hard kill systems developed domestically played a vital role in neutralizing Pakistan’s drone and missile barrages.
He noted that while India’s retaliation was “measured and calibrated,” Pakistan escalated the situation by directly supporting terrorist infrastructure. “Our fight was against terror, but the Pakistani military chose to intervene on their behalf. We responded accordingly,” he said, emphasizing the decision to expand targets in response to the Pakistani military’s role.
Multi-Layered Defence Grid Stood Firm
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai used a cricket analogy to underline the resilience of India’s air defence systems: “Even if you crossed all the layers, one of the layers of this grid system will hit you.” The military leaders made clear that India’s bases — including those in Udhampur, Pathankot, and Bhuj — sustained limited damage and remain fully operational.
India reportedly shot down a US-made F-16 and a Chinese-origin JF-17, while Pakistani claims of hitting a Rafale were firmly denied. In contrast, Pakistan’s air defence infrastructure sustained roughly 20% damage, according to Indian estimates.
Diplomacy in the Background, Deterrence in the Forefront
Despite the intensity of the engagements, a ceasefire was brokered approximately 100 hours into the operation, with US diplomatic channels facilitating backroom negotiations. However, India warned that any post-ceasefire violations would provoke an even more forceful response.
While Operation Sindoor has formally concluded, the armed forces remain in a high state of readiness. “All our systems remain fully operational and ready to undertake future missions should the need arise,” said Air Marshal Bharti.
The Indian Armed Forces Strategic Shift
This unprecedented joint press briefing offered key signals to domestic and international audiences. India has showcased its integrated military capabilities, indigenous technological maturity, and willingness to strike pre-emptively in the face of terrorism supported by a hostile state. With Operation Sindoor, India’s defence doctrine appears to have entered a new era defined by agility, deterrence, and strategic clarity.
