New Delhi, October 15:
India has claimed that Pakistan suffered significant losses along the Line of Control (LoC) during Operation Sindoor, with over 100 military personnel killed, according to Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO). The details were revealed on Tuesday, citing posthumous awards conferred by Pakistan’s military.

Air and ground losses reported

Lt Gen Ghai said that Pakistan lost at least 12 aircraft during the May conflict, corroborating previous statements by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of Air Staff. “Pakistanis, possibly unwittingly, released their awards list last month on August 14. The number of posthumous awards suggests their casualties on the LoC exceeded 100,” he said.

The DGMO added that Pakistan had resorted to cross-border firing immediately after India targeted nine terror installations on May 7. He described the Indian response as measured, aimed at neutralising terror threats rather than escalating conflict unnecessarily.

Drone attacks and Indian retaliation

Lt Gen Ghai highlighted that Pakistan deployed various drones in attempts to inflict casualties and damage Indian forces, but these efforts were unsuccessful. In response, the Indian Air Force conducted precision strikes on May 9-10, targeting Pakistani installations. According to him, 11 air bases, three hangars, and four radars were damaged, and Pakistani air assets were destroyed on the ground.

On the ground, Pakistan lost a C-130 aircraft, an AEW&C plane, and four to five fighter jets, along with five high-tech fighters in aerial engagements. Lt Gen Ghai noted that one of the kills achieved was the world’s longest ground-to-air kill, exceeding 300 km.

Counter-terror operations

Discussing counter-terror efforts, Lt Gen Ghai mentioned the elimination of three terrorists involved in the June Pahalgam attack. “It took us 96 days to track and neutralise them. They were exhausted and malnourished when found,” he said. The operation reflected a doctrinal shift in India’s strategy against terror, emphasising decisive retaliation against both terrorists and their sponsors.

“Our Prime Minister has outlined the policy: terror attacks are acts of war, we will retaliate decisively, we will not succumb to nuclear blackmail, and there is no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors,” he added.

Conclusion

Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s commitment to counter-terrorism and national security, highlighting both precision military capability and sustained efforts to neutralise threats along the LoC. The DGMO’s statements reaffirm India’s stance on decisive action against terror, while also signalling a significant shift in strategic response.