Indian Air Marshal A.K. Bharti has stated that India is currently in a state of war and that losses are an inevitable part of conflict.
He was responding to a journalist’s question about reports of a French-made Rafale fighter jet being downed during recent skirmishes with Pakistan.
During a media briefing in New Delhi on Sunday evening, addressing recent clashes and operations against Pakistan, Bharti said, “The real question to ask is whether we have achieved our objectives. Our mission was to eliminate terrorist camps, and yes, we have accomplished that.”
“The results are visible to the world. As for operational details—what we did, how many assets we deployed, and which platforms we used—I will not comment on those at this time,” he added.
Following significant losses inflicted by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during the recent four-day clashes, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday stated that “losses are a part of combat,” without providing further details.
When asked about the downing of fighter jets by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) at a press briefing on Sunday, Indian Air Marshal AK Bharti dodged the question.
“[I] would not like to comment as we are still in an air combat situation. It will be an advantage for the adversary. We have achieved our objectives. All our pilots are back home,” he claimed.
When specifically asked about Pakistan’s claim of shooting down an Indian Rafale, the Air Marshal firmly responded, “I will not comment because we are in a state of conflict. Any comment will benefit the adversary.”
He emphasized, “We do not intend to give them any advantage right now. All I can say is that we have achieved our targets, and all our pilots have returned home safely.”
In a related media interaction, when a journalist asked an Indian Vice Admiral about alleged Indian Navy operations near Karachi, the Admiral tersely remarked, “I’ll say a few words and leave the rest to your imagination. The Indian Navy is very powerful — both in numbers and capability.”
