ISLAMABAD (News Desk) – India has, for the first time, acknowledged suffering setbacks during its recent military engagement with Pakistan, though officials remain tight-lipped about specific details. Speaking at a press briefing in New Delhi on Sunday, Air Marshal AK Bharti described the losses as part and parcel of armed conflict, but did not confirm whether they involved aircraft, troops, or equipment.
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“In any active combat, setbacks are part of the game,” Bharti said. “What matters most is whether we accomplished our mission. The answer is a firm yes — we dismantled terrorist bases effectively.”
The skirmishes erupted after a deadly bombing on April 22 in Indian-administered Kashmir claimed the lives of 26 tourists. India pointed the finger at Pakistan for which Pakistan offered all out support but India retaliated with targeted airstrikes on Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.
Pakistan countered and shot down several Indian warplanes, including three Rafales — a flagship fighter jet — one Su-30, and one MiG-29, independent sources confirmed. India has neither confirmed nor denied the claim, choosing to keep a low profile on the matter. However, French and U.S. sources accepted that at least one Rafale jet may have been downed — a potentially embarrassing turn of events for India.
The loss of a Rafale, seen as the crown jewel of the Indian Air Force, would be a bitter pill to swallow, especially after the fanfare around its purchase in a high-stakes defense deal.
Air Marshal Bharti downplayed Pakistan’s drone attacks, saying most were successfully intercepted. “They launched waves of drones, but they failed to do any serious harm. Only a few slipped through, and the damage was minor,” he said. He added confidently, “All our pilots have returned safely.”
After four days of military exchange, both nations agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed credit for mediating the truce and expressed his wish to help resolve the Kashmir dispute. His comments didn’t sit well with Indian leaders, who have long opposed outside involvement in the issue.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called for a parliamentary session to debate the situation, while other Indian officials insisted the ceasefire was the result of direct talks between India and Pakistan.
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