New Delhi, May 31 (H.S.): Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, during an interview amid the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, confirmed for the first time that Indian fighter jets were downed during Operation 'Sindoor', although he did not specify the number. He emphasized that the significance lies not in the downed jets, but in understanding the reasons for their loss. Following this initial setback, the aircraft resumed operations two days later, striking locations such as Jacobabad Noor Khan Airbase and Murid, 300 kilometers inside Pakistan, without incurring further losses.

General Chauhan engaged with various international defense leaders and officials, discussing India's stance on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. He met with prominent figures including the Deputy Secretary-General for Security and Defence of the EU, the French Navy Chief, and military leaders from Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Japan, and the US. At this dialogue, he addressed India's strategy adjustments post-initial aerial losses, highlighting the successful attacks on Pakistani bases on May 7, 8, and 10, which penetrated enemy air defenses seamlessly. He dismissed Pakistan's claim of downed Indian jets as completely wrong.

While acknowledging the aerial losses faced on the first day, he refrained from detailing the specific number of aircraft lost, focusing instead on the successful tactical shifts that led to a decisive advantage for India, ultimately resulting in a ceasefire three days later. The discussions highlighted the strengthening of India-Singapore bilateral relations and bolstered defense cooperation in the region.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar