Tensions Rise as Pakistan Rejects India’s Claims on Operation Sindoor

After India’s Operation Sindoor and the Indian Air Force’s presentation of evidence, Pakistan has vehemently refuted claims of aircraft losses. Despite satellite images and other evidence presented by India, Pakistan has maintained its position of no losses. New statements made by Indian Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh have led to strong reactions in Pakistan. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that Indian armed forces did not successfully target or destroy any Pakistani aircraft during the recent confrontations. Previously, Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh stated that the IAF shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and a large aircraft during Operation Sindoor. Singh also mentioned the presence of an AWACS aircraft and some F-16s. According to the IAF, they have confirmed the downing of at least five fighter jets, including a large aircraft, which might have been an AWACS, targeted from about 300 kilometers away. After the operation, multiple UAVs, drones, and some missiles landed in Indian-controlled territory. Khawaja Asif, in a social media post, denied that India managed to destroy any Pakistani aircraft. He questioned why the claims were not made earlier. He called the statements made by the Indian Air Force chief ‘as unbelievable as they are ill-timed.’ He also said that Indian forces suffered heavy losses on the Line of Control. He suggested that both sides should allow an independent verification of their aircraft stocks if they want the truth to be revealed. He doubted whether India would reveal the truth. He warned that Pakistan would respond to any violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity with a rapid, definitive, and balanced response.