In a high-stakes press conference on Sunday, senior defence officials addressed the media regarding the Indian Armed Forces’ decisive response to the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. The operation, code-named ‘Operation Sindoor’, was launched on May 7 to deliver a strategic blow to terror networks across the western front.
Among those briefing the press was Major General Sandeep S Sharda, who, before diving into the serious discourse, lightened the atmosphere with a quip rooted in military tradition. As the Q&A session began, he gestured toward journalists seated on the left and remarked, “I’ve got a lot of hands there. Let me start from the left. The left foot is always in front when we start marching, so here we have to start from the left.” His comment drew smiles and highlighted the discipline instilled in the armed forces, where marching begins with the left foot to maintain perfect rhythm and coordination.
However, the content of the briefing was far from light. Top officials—including Air Marshal AK Bharti, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, and Vice Admiral AN Pramod—disclosed critical details of the highly coordinated operation. According to Air Marshal Bharti, the Indian Air Force conducted precision strikes on nine high-value terror targets, including strategic airbases such as Chaklala, Rafiqui, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad.
“The decision was taken to strike where it will hurt the most,” said Bharti. “It was a swift, calibrated, and coordinated assault on airbases, command centres, and critical infrastructure across the western front. The message is clear: aggression will not be tolerated.”
The strikes were designed to neutralise terror bases without causing civilian harm. Over 100 terrorists were killed during the operation, which focused solely on eliminating terrorist infrastructure while minimising collateral damage.
Lt Gen Ghai further revealed that Pakistan suffered the loss of 35-40 personnel in clashes along the Line of Control (LoC). While Pakistani drones attempted to retaliate by targeting Indian Air Force bases, Indian air defences successfully intercepted them. In a counter-response, India destroyed a radar installation in Lahore, adding to the tactical success of the mission.
Major General Sharda, who also serves as the nodal officer overseeing digital violations related to national defence, summed up the operation as a symbol of joint force capability and unwavering resolve. ‘Operation Sindoor’ has thus not only avenged the Pahalgam attack but has also reinforced India’s strategic deterrence against terror outfits operating from across the border.
