India Admits Air Force Losses in Pakistan Strikes, Citing Political Limits

Defense Attaché Reveals Details of Operation Sindoor, Sparks Opposition Concerns

India’s military operations in Pakistan have come under fresh scrutiny. A defense attaché disclosed that Indian Air Force jets were lost during a 2025 operation. This happened because political constraints limited the military’s targeting capabilities.

Losses Due to Restricted Targeting

Captain Shiv Kumar, India’s Defence Attaché to Indonesia, stated the Indian Air Force suffered losses during Operation Sindoor on May 7. He attributed these losses to political decisions. These restricted the military from attacking military installations. The initial strategy aimed only at terror camps.

First the Chief of Defence Staff makes important revelations in Singapore. Then a senior defence official follows up from Indonesia. But why is the PM refusing to preside over an all-party meeting and take the Opposition into confidence? Why has the demand for a special session of Parliament been rejected?

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 17, 2024

“I may not agree with him that India lost so many aircraft. But, I do agree that we did lose some aircraft and that happened only because of the constraint given by the political leadership to not attack the military establishments and their air defences.”

—Captain Shiv Kumar, Defence Attaché to Indonesia

According to a 2024 report, the Indian defense budget reached $72.7 billion. This reflects a growing emphasis on military capabilities. The presentation by Captain Kumar occurred during a seminar held in Indonesia on June 10. It addressed air battles between Pakistan and India. The seminar examined anticipatory strategies.

Strategic Shifts and Nuclear Posture

Captain Kumar noted the operation’s initial strategy involved cross-border strikes. These targeted nine terror training camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He described these as “political signalling.” Later, tactics shifted to targeting military installations.

The Defense Attaché also discussed India’s nuclear stance. He reiterated the country’s no-first-use policy. India maintains a credible nuclear deterrent across multiple platforms. He highlighted Pakistan’s first-use policy, stating potential consequences. He said that after the strikes, Pakistan called for a ceasefire on May 10.

Previously, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, acknowledged losses during Operation Sindoor. He rejected claims about downed Indian jets as inaccurate. General Chauhan mentioned that the Indian forces adjusted tactics. They then carried out strikes on airbases inside Pakistan with precision.

Opposition Response

Opposition leaders have criticized the government’s handling of information. They cited the statements by the CDS and Captain Kumar as evidence of a cover-up. Jairam Ramesh, a Congress leader, questioned the government’s transparency. Pawan Khera, a Congress spokesperson, also criticized the handling of information. The Indian embassy in Indonesia issued a statement, clarifying Captain Kumar’s remarks.