In a firm rebuttal to Pakistan’s claims, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, dismissed assertions that Pakistani forces had successfully shot down Indian jets during Operation Sindoor as “Manohar Kahaniyan” (interesting stories). The statement came during a press briefing in New Delhi on Friday, underscoring India’s confidence in its air combat capabilities and operational precision.
Operation Sindoor was launched in May 2025 as a direct retaliation to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April 2025. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians — mostly Hindu tourists — was linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. The incident prompted India to initiate a high-intensity military response targeting terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC) and deep within Pakistani territory.
Air Chief Marshal Singh elaborated on the outcomes of the operation, highlighting its success. “Our forces achieved their objectives with precision. Five Pakistani aircraft, including F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets, along with a C-130 transport plane and an AEW&C platform, were neutralized. These operations involved long-range strikes exceeding 300 kilometers into enemy territory,” he said.
The Pakistani military had claimed to have shot down multiple Indian jets during the operation, a claim the IAF Chief strongly refuted. He described these claims as exaggerated narratives aimed at boosting morale but lacking credibility. “We operate with transparency and precision. These claims are, in essence, Manohar Kahaniyan,” Singh remarked.
The statement is likely to escalate tensions between India and Pakistan, as Operation Sindoor has already been a flashpoint in the volatile relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Analysts say the operation demonstrates India’s capability to conduct deep-strike operations with surgical precision, significantly altering strategic calculations in the region.
Security experts note that such operations underline India’s growing deterrence capability, particularly in the context of counterterrorism and cross-border military operations. “This sends a clear message that India will respond decisively to threats emanating from across the border,” said a defence analyst.
The IAF Chief’s remarks come amidst heightened diplomatic exchanges, with both nations engaged in intense rhetoric over the events surrounding Operation Sindoor. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for restraint and dialogue from major powers.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh’s rejection of Pakistan’s claims reinforces India’s stance on Operation Sindoor as a successful and precise military response. As tensions simmer, the episode reflects the enduring complexities of Indo-Pak relations and the evolving dynamics of defence and deterrence in South Asia.
