India Says Changed Tactics Worked Well in Conflict with Pakistan

 

India Says Changed Tactics Worked Well in Conflict with Pakistan India’s highest-ranking military official announced that a strategic change in tactics during recent hostilities with Pakistan proved successful, allowing India to establish a decisive advantage before both countries agreed to a ceasefire. The intense conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors erupted after an attack in Indian Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. India accused Pakistan-backed terrorists, a charge denied by Islamabad. Following the attack, Indian jets launched strikes on what New Delhi identified as terrorist infrastructure across the border on May 7. Pakistan claimed to have shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale fighters, during the initial clashes. The fighting, marked by the use of fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery, escalated quickly before a ceasefire was announced on May 10. Both sides engaged in significant combat, with India suffering initial aerial losses, though details remain undisclosed.

India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, explained that India adapted its strategy after these setbacks, shifting to more aggressive and precise strikes on Pakistani air bases deep inside the country. He highlighted that Indian forces managed to penetrate Pakistani air defenses with impunity and targeted at least eight Pakistani air bases, including one near Islamabad. Pakistan’s military has denied suffering losses to its aircraft but acknowledged some of its airbases were hit, with minimal damage. The Pakistani military reports no aircraft losses, reflecting differing narratives from both sides.

Regarding nuclear risks, Chauhan stated that none of the strikes targeted Pakistan's nuclear facilities, and both Indian and Pakistani military leaders emphasized that there was no consideration of nuclear weapon use during the conflict. Chauhan underscored the rationality displayed by military authorities and stressed there is significant space for conventional military operations without crossing into nuclear territory. He also addressed concerns over Pakistan's alliance with China, saying there was no evidence of Chinese military support, such as satellite images or tactical aid, during the conflict. While China’s satellite imagery is broadly accessible, Chauhan indicated it could have been obtained from multiple sources. As hostilities ended, India maintained its stance that it would respond "precisely and decisively" to any future terrorist attacks originating from Pakistan and emphasized readiness to act at any moment to protect national security.

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