India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, recently spoke about the country’s military conflict with Pakistan, acknowledging that India faced initial air losses. However, he did not provide specific details about these losses. Speaking to reporters at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, he emphasized the need to understand why these losses occurred and how India plans to respond moving forward.
The conflict, which lasted four days earlier this month, marked the most intense standoff between India and Pakistan since 1999. It ended with a ceasefire on May 10. Reports indicate that over 70 people died as a result of missile, drone, and artillery fire exchanged between the two nations. Both sides have different accounts of the casualties, with India claiming to have killed more than 100 terrorists in precision strikes on what it described as terrorist camps in Pakistan. Pakistan, on the other hand, disputes this, claiming that over 30 civilians died in the Indian attacks.
The fighting was triggered by an attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. India accused Pakistan of supporting the armed group responsible for the attack, a claim that Islamabad denied.
During the conflict, Pakistan asserted that it shot down at least five Indian military jets, including Rafale fighters. General Chauhan dismissed this claim as "absolutely incorrect," confirming that India did lose at least one aircraft. He highlighted that the focus should be on the reasons behind the air losses rather than the number of jets downed.
After suffering initial setbacks, India adapted its military tactics, which allowed it to regain the upper hand. Chauhan noted that Indian forces carried out successful strikes on Pakistani airbases in the days following the initial losses. He assured that while the fighting has ceased, India remains prepared to respond decisively to any future terror attacks emanating from Pakistan.
Chauhan also addressed concerns about China’s involvement, noting that despite Pakistan’s close ties with Beijing, there were no signs of significant Chinese support during the conflict. He remarked that any satellite imagery or intelligence Pakistan may have received from China could easily be obtained from commercial sources.
As tensions remain high, the Indian government has made it clear that it will continue to be vigilant and ready to act if necessary.