India’s Armed Forces gave a resolute update on Operation Sindoor, emphasizing military readiness, layered air defense, and Pakistan’s ceasefire violations.
The press conference began with Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s powerful lines from Krishna Ki Chetavani:
जब नाश मनुज पर छाता है, पहले विवेक मर जाता है ।
हित-वचन नहीं तूने माना, मैत्री का मूल्य न पहचाना ।
तो ले, मैं भी अब जाता हूँ, अन्तिम संकल्प सुनाता हूँ ।
याचना नहीं, अब रण होगा, जीवन-जय या कि मरण होगा ।
Translation: “When destruction looms over a person, wisdom is the first to die. You ignored friendly counsel and failed to value peace. So now, I too depart, declaring my final resolve—There will be no more pleading, only war—victory or death.”
This set the tone for the most critical and resolute press briefing on Operation Sindoor, held on May 12, 2025. Representing the three armed services were Air Marshal A.K. Bharti (Director General Air Operations), Lt. Gen. Rajeev Ghai (Director General Military Operations), and Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod (Director General Naval Operations). Their joint address delivered a strategic, technical, and emotional culmination to India’s recent military efforts.
Air Marshal A.K. Bharti began by emphasizing that India’s military action was not against Pakistan but strictly targeted towards terrorist infrastructure. On May 7, India focused exclusively on nine terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir. However, Pakistan’s military chose to support these elements, making retaliatory action inevitable.
The Indian Armed Forces had prepared a multi-layered, integrated air defense grid well in advance. This comprised:
Even legacy systems such as the Pichora and Osa-AK, along with indigenous Akash systems, performed exceptionally.
In the past week, Indian forces intercepted waves of Pakistani drones, missiles, and UCAVs. Displayed visuals included:
Air Marshal Bharti concluded that India’s defense posture ensured minimal domestic loss despite sustained enemy efforts.
Lt. Gen. Rajeev Ghai provided additional context. He highlighted the changing character of terrorism, with civilians increasingly targeted—as in the Shivkhori attack in 2024 and the recent April 22 Pahalgam killings.
Anticipating air-based retaliation, India fused:
Indian Army systems were synchronized with Indian Air Force platforms, creating a resilient shield over border installations.
Between May 9 and 10, Pakistan launched repeated waves targeting Indian airfields and logistics hubs. The Indian response:
BSF troops played a vital role, especially on border outposts. Their counter-UAS systems further strengthened the grid.
Gen. Ghai drew a powerful analogy from the 1970s Ashes cricket series, emphasizing how India’s multi-layered defense was akin to fast bowlers overwhelming the opposition. He noted that any element attempting to breach the grid would be taken down before reaching strategic targets.
He praised the synergy between services and highlighted the 140 crore Indians whose unity empowered the mission.
Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod explained the Navy’s continuous deployment post-Pahalgam attack. The Carrier Battle Group, submarines, and surface forces:
Naval systems could distinguish between commercial, neutral, and hostile aerial objects far before they approached.
Vice Admiral Pramod affirmed that the Navy’s dominance compelled Pakistan to seek ceasefire.
On May 10, the Pakistan DGMO reached out via hotline. A ceasefire took effect at 1700 hours the same day.
Pakistan violated the agreement within hours through:
India responded decisively. Army commanders were given full authority for kinetic counteraction. Another hotline message was sent warning of punitive retaliation for repeated breaches.
Lt. Gen. Ghai honored five Indian personnel who died during Operation Sindoor. He reaffirmed that their sacrifice would be remembered by a grateful nation.
A journalist asked about the symbolic use of Krishna Ki Chetavani. The officers explained the lines were chosen to project moral clarity and resolve. As a further poetic reference, the DGMO quoted from Ramcharitmanas, reminding that “Fear is essential for peace if wisdom fails.”
It was confirmed that Turkish-origin drones, including Bayraktar TB2s, were among the downed platforms. These were intercepted by indigenous counter-UAS systems, debunking myths of their invincibility.
Officers dismissed Pakistani claims of surviving terrorists and questioned the absence of damage imagery from their side. They reiterated India’s exclusive targeting of terrorist infrastructure.
Questions were raised about alleged Indian strikes on Kirana Hills, a supposed Pakistani nuclear facility. The DGMO firmly denied these claims, saying India did not target any such installations.
The May 12 briefing was the most expansive, authoritative, and emotionally resonant of the Operation Sindoor press conferences. Through facts, visuals, and statements of resolve, the Indian Armed Forces demonstrated not just military capability but national character. They showed restraint, precision, and unity of purpose. India’s leadership reasserted that while the nation seeks peace, any threat to its sovereignty will be met with overwhelming force.
Their closing message was unequivocal: all systems are operational, all forces are ready, and all missions will be fulfilled.
Jai Hind 🇮🇳