Our Fight Against Terrorism, Pity That Pakistan Chose To Intervene For Terrorists: Air Marshal AK Bharti

India called Operation Sindoor a precise anti-terror strike, blaming Pakistan for backing terrorists and prompting military retaliation.

“Our fight was against terrorism and its support base, not with the Pakistan military,” said Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General Air Operations, during a joint DGMO briefing. “It is a pity the Pakistani military chose to intervene on behalf of terrorists, compelling us to respond.”

He said the 7 May strikes hit only terrorist hideouts. But Pakistan’s military support turned it into an avoidable conflict.

“Whatever damage they suffered is their responsibility,” he said. He praised India’s air defence systems for standing ‘like a wall’ and blocking enemy breaches.

Air Marshal Bharti highlighted the role of India’s indigenous air defence, especially the Akash missile system, in stopping threats.

He said Pakistani drones and unmanned combat aerial vehicles were stopped by Indian soft and hard kill counter-UAS systems.

These included Chinese and Turkish drones and PL-15 missiles, which were intercepted before they crossed into Indian airspace.

Lieutenant General Ghai showed video evidence of an Indian strike that left a crater at Pakistan’s Noor Khan airbase. He confirmed all Indian airfields remain fully operational.

He credited the coordination of all military services, the Border Security Force, and support from India’s 140 crore citizens for the country’s strong defence.

“Our battle-proven systems have stood firm. The multi-layered air defence shield is now impregnable, thanks to government policy and funding over the last decade,” said Air Marshal Bharti.

He stressed India’s aim remains focused on fighting terrorism. Military action, he said, was forced by Pakistan’s protection of cross-border terrorists.

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