Ajit Doval Defends Operation Sindoor, Challenges Claims of Indian Damage
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday firmly defended India's military actions during Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that no Indian structures were harmed in the four-day cross-border engagement with Pakistan. Addressing the 62nd convocation at IIT Madras, Doval challenged both critics and international media to provide any photographic evidence of destruction on Indian territory.
Doval stated, “We targeted nine terrorist camps deep inside Pakistan—not along the borders—and we missed none. The entire operation took just 23 minutes.” He highlighted the operation's precision, supported by real-time intelligence and high indigenous technological advancements. “It was precise to the point where we knew who was where,” he remarked.
Operation Sindoor was initiated by India in the early hours of May 7, following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. In retaliation, the Indian military struck terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reportedly resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists. The strikes caused a limited conflict that saw missile and drone attacks aimed at military targets in both countries, culminating in a mutual ceasefire understanding reached on May 10.
Criticizing foreign media coverage, Doval stated, “They wrote and published things about damage in India… I ask you, is there a single photo of even a broken glass pane?” He pointed out that the only images available showed before-and-after satellite views of Pakistani air bases such as Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, and Chaklala, with visible damage to Pakistani facilities. “I’m only quoting what the foreign press themselves showed,” he added.
Doval seized the moment to underline the importance of developing indigenous defense capabilities. “We are proud of how much of our indigenous technology was involved in Operation Sindoor,” he told the students and faculty at the esteemed institute.
His comments come in the wake of ongoing strategic and political discussions following Operation Sindoor, which is perceived as a pivotal moment in India's strategy for responding to cross-border terrorism.
