Under rising domestic pressure, the Indian government has finally acknowledged significant troop casualties during Operation Sindoor, a military offensive launched against Pakistan on May 7. The admission follows weeks of speculation, criticism from veterans, and a public demand for transparency over the operation’s toll.
Government Confirms Death Toll
Initially, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government tried to downplay the scale of the losses. However, amid mounting internal dissent and media scrutiny, India has now confirmed that over 250 soldiers died along the Line of Control (LoC) during the four-day conflict.
Pakistan’s swift retaliation led to widespread destruction of Indian military assets.
Key Bases and Personnel Lost
Among those killed were seven Indian Air Force personnel, including four fighter pilots, three of whom flew Rafale jets. Five S-400 air defense operators died during Pakistani strikes on Adampur Airbase. Additional casualties included nine personnel from Udhampur Airbase, two from Rajouri Aviation Base, and four soldiers, including the Officer Commanding, at Uri Supply Depot.
The 10th Infantry Brigade lost five troops at G-Top, while the 93rd Infantry Brigade Headquarters reported nine fatalities. All deceased personnel will receive posthumous military honours.
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International Pressure and Ceasefire
International media reports suggest that a US-brokered ceasefire was enforced after Pakistani forces struck strategic Indian locations such as Pathankot and Udhampur. These strikes reportedly destroyed critical airbases and advanced fighter jets, pushing India to halt operations.
Censorship and Criticism
Families of fallen soldiers were reportedly pressured not to post images or details online. This move was heavily criticized as an attempt to avoid political backlash and suppress truth. Analysts compared this to the 2019 Abhinandan incident, noting a pattern of narrative control.
Critics argue that while other nations proudly honour their martyrs, India’s initial silence marks a troubling shift in civil-military transparency and public accountability.
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