Former Maharashtra CM Claims India Suffered Defeat in Operation Sindoor Aerial Engagement

Prithviraj Chavan has raised questions about maintaining large military forces in light of modern warfare tactics.

Pune (Maharashtra):

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has made controversial assertions claiming that India faced defeat on the first day of Operation Sindoor, with Indian aircraft reportedly shot down during the four-day military engagement.

During a press conference in Pune, Chavan made contentious statements suggesting that the Indian Air Force was "completely grounded" due to the high risk of being shot down by Pakistani forces.

The Congress leader stated, "On the first day of Operation Sindoor, we experienced complete defeat. The half-hour aerial engagement on the 7th resulted in our full defeat, regardless of public acceptance. Indian aircraft were shot down. The Air Force was entirely grounded, with no aircraft taking flight. Any aircraft attempting to launch from Gwalior, Bathinda, or Sirsa faced a significant probability of being shot down by Pakistan, which is why the Air Force remained fully grounded."

He further questioned the necessity of maintaining extensive military personnel, arguing that modern conflicts will primarily be conducted through air operations.

"Our recent experience during Operation Sindoor showed there was not even a one-kilometre movement of ground troops. The events that transpired over those two or three days involved only aerial warfare and missile exchanges. Future conflicts will likely follow this pattern. Given this reality, is it necessary to maintain an army of 1.2 million soldiers, or could they be assigned to alternative duties?" he asked.

Claims regarding Indian fighter jets being shot down during Operation Sindoor began circulating following statements attributed to a Defence Attache. However, India has denied these reports concerning a presentation made by the Defence Attache at an Indonesian seminar, stating that the remarks were "taken out of context" and "misrepresent the intention and thrust" of the presentation.

Operation Sindoor was initiated on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 fatalities. Pakistan's retaliation led to a military confrontation lasting from May 7 to 10. During this operation, India claimed to have eliminated over 100 terrorists within just 23 minutes using Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and HAMMER bombs.