“India’s fight is against terrorism, not the Pakistani military or civilians,” say top commanders
Diplomat Special Correspondent
New Delhi, (DD) Just hours before the anticipated Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) talks between India and Pakistan, senior officials from the Indian Armed Forces affirmed that all military bases across the country are fully operational and prepared to counter any threat.
At a joint press briefing in New Delhi, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai (Army), Air Marshal AK Bharti (Indian Air Force), and Vice Admiral AN Pramod (Navy) emphasized that India’s operations are solely focused on eliminating terrorist threats and infrastructure. “Our battle has always been against terrorism—not against Pakistan’s army or its civilians,” said Lt Gen Ghai.
The commanders highlighted that India’s air defense network—built on a layered and integrated command-and-control structure—had effectively neutralized multiple aerial threats in recent days.
Attempts by Pakistani forces to target Indian forward positions on May 9 and 10 were “completely thwarted,” according to the officials. “Not a single enemy aircraft penetrated our defense shield,” Air Marshal Bharti confirmed, noting that Indian pilots, UAVs, helicopters, and ground systems worked in close coordination to protect strategic assets around the clock.
Several enemy drones and loitering munitions, including Turkish-made UAVs, were reportedly intercepted and destroyed.
Vice Admiral Pramod assured that the Indian Navy remains vigilant across maritime zones, with air defense systems and naval patrols actively monitoring potential threats. “We retain the capability to strike decisively, whether on land or at sea,” he said.
The military also confirmed precision strikes deep inside Pakistani territory, including high-value targets near Nur Khan Air Base and Rambhayr, aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure and logistical support systems.
The officials praised the close coordination among the Army, Air Force, Navy, Border Security Force (BSF), and intelligence agencies. “From senior leadership to the last jawan, the BSF played a crucial role in securing our frontlines,” Lt Gen Ghai remarked.
They acknowledged the strong backing of the Indian government and citizens, describing the operations as a united national effort across land, sea, air, and cyberspace.
Responding to cross-border claims that a top terrorist leader reportedly killed in a strike was still alive, Air Marshal Bharti said, “They may manipulate the narrative, but facts are undeniable. Our fight is with the terrorists they shelter—not with the Pakistani people.”
In a symbolic note, he recited a Hindi verse to emphasize national resilience and underscored the role of indigenous defense systems in countering evolving threats, including drone swarms and cyber-attacks.
The commanders reiterated that while India remains open to dialogue through DGMO channels, the armed forces are “fully prepared for any mission, at any time.”
“Each conflict is different, but our objective remains the same—staying ahead of the adversary. We were ready then, and we are ready now,” they concluded.(DD)
