Operation Sindoor is a series of missile attacks by Indian armed forces on nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK in the early hours of 7 May 2025 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Between 1:05 AM and 1:30 AM on 7 May, 2025, Indian armed forces struck 9 terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Pok). This included the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur. In a statement, the Indian government said its actions were “focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature” and that “no Pakistani military facilities have been targeted”.
Underlining the Pakistan link to the Pahalgam attack, the statement said India is “living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable”.
Pakistan reacted to the precision strikes by sending in drone swarms into Indian border states, and launching missiles on military and civilian infrastructure in India. Indian armed forces responded by striking airbases in Pakistan. On 10 May, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called his Indian counterpart and the two agreed on an understanding to cease all military hostilities starting 5 pm that day.
When Israel fights, they achieve BOTH, ie: they win the war AND have far less aircraft losses. India is 10 x bigger and more advanced tech wise than Pakistan. We Indians have LOW END INFERIOR thinking, that is why we think it is good enough to Win the WAR while losing the Global PR battle,. This is why we are an INFERIOR NATION, we think it is OK to eke out a “victory” against a Garbage nation 10 x smaller. A lowly people with Lowly inferior thinking and small expectations. DEMAND BETTER.
I agree with your assessment on doctrine, but suggest that the PAF defensive-offense is dictated by the historical disparity in overall strength. We would do well to acknowledge that the numbers gap is shrinking due to India’s sclerotic procurement process. Will we see a change if numbers and technologies are matched going forward? We will see.
As well, what will the IAF doctrine be versus China where it suffers a lopsided numbers and perhaps technology gap? Will it adopt the ‘defensive boxer’ notion brought out in this analysis? Again, we will see.
Let me suggest that doctrines can be adaptive- ‘horses for courses’ if you will.
While I agree with the overall assessment on strategic outcome (who won the war), it would be wise to not attribute doctrinal blindness to the PAF. They are a professional force capable of nasty stings. Let’s keep our powder dry and not presuppose an approach.
Thanks for the references- I’m a fan of Jagan/ Chopra.
Remarkable in the depth of its detail. Still thoroughly readable. Many thanks
Shekhar Gupta well researched content and puts a perspective on the sub texts and fine prints that deem logical and are far removed from just deceptive headlines that often tell half the truth.
Got really immersed in this piece just like gets into your almost all articles.
This leads to another simple question. Why should the narrative not be truthful. Acknowledge losses, which are inevitable in conflict, upfront.
Very very very good article written Sherkharbhai.
Thank you Shekar Gupta for this Comprehensive and detailed article and letting us all know that mere loss of fighter jets in an combat don’t really matter. All that matters is objective defined victory. IAF surely with its sheer brilliance has once again demonstrated this. Furthermore, this article has put all doubter’s permanently to rest