From Counterattack to Controversy
Operation Sindoor, India’s high-precision military response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, marked a significant escalation in regional tensions. Conducted between May 7 and 10, the operation involved targeted Indian Air Force strikes on key Pakistani air bases and terror infrastructure deep within enemy territory. While Indian forces celebrated the mission’s strategic success, international media coverage stirred controversy. At the centre of this dispute stands National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who not only defended India’s operation but also openly challenged the credibility of foreign reporting that suggested damage from Pakistani retaliation on Indian soil.
Doval’s Defiant Challenge – “Show Me One Photo”
In a bold rebuttal at the 62nd convocation of IIT Madras, NSA Ajit Doval questioned the legitimacy of foreign media claims about Indian losses during Operation Sindoor. “You tell me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage to any Indian (structure), even a glass pane having been broken,” Doval declared. He pointed out that satellite imagery and independent media analysis clearly showed damage only to 13 Pakistani airbases, with no visual evidence of any successful Pakistani strike on Indian targets.
By putting the onus of proof back on international commentators, Doval aimed to dismantle what he sees as persistent media bias in global narratives about Indian defence actions. His message was clear: India struck with precision, Pakistan failed to retaliate meaningfully, and yet the media spun a different story.
The Precision of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was not just a retaliatory strike; it was a demonstration of evolving Indian air and missile capabilities. On the night of May 9–10, the Indian Air Force launched strikes across Pakistani airbases from Sargodha to Chaklala, aiming to disrupt air defence systems and cripple operational readiness.
According to defence sources, 15 BrahMos missiles—a symbol of India’s technological self-reliance—were used to precisely target key installations. These strikes reportedly disabled Chinese-supported air defence systems, a significant strategic blow to Pakistan’s layered air security.
Doval highlighted the intelligence and precision behind the mission: “We decided to have nine terrorist targets in the criss-cross of Pakistan, not in the border areas… We hit nowhere else except that.” The operation lasted just 23 minutes, yet inflicted substantial disruption on Pakistan’s military infrastructure.
Indigenous Edge – India’s Homegrown Arsenal
One of the key narratives Doval underscored was India’s growing defence self-reliance. Indigenous systems like the BrahMos missiles, the Akash air defence system, and integrated command-and-control networks were pivotal in both the offensive and defensive phases of Operation Sindoor.
The Akash system was particularly effective in neutralising incoming Pakistani drones aimed at Indian targets. This operational efficiency validated India’s decision to invest in and prioritise indigenous defence development. “We are really proud of how much indigenous content was there,” Doval said, urging continued innovation and self-sufficiency.
The Future Front – Artificial Intelligence and Warfare
Looking ahead, Doval pivoted from airstrikes to algorithms. He described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the next frontier of warfare and national development. “AI is one of the great game changers… not only required for research but also for defence, robotics, medicine, and finance,” he said.
Calling on India’s academic and tech communities to lead the charge, Doval emphasized that dominance in AI would determine future strategic and economic leadership.
A Calculated Strike, a Larger Message
Operation Sindoor wasn’t just about missiles and military might—it was a message. The Indian government demonstrated both technological prowess and strategic restraint. While it responded forcefully to terror threats, it also refrained from indiscriminate escalation. The absence of damage on Indian soil, despite Pakistani retaliation, signals not only effective air defence but also superior planning.
Ajit Doval’s public challenge to foreign media reflects a broader effort to reclaim India’s narrative on the global stage. As India asserts itself militarily and technologically, its leadership is equally keen to ensure that perception keeps pace with power. Whether foreign media responds or not, Doval’s dare has already shifted the discourse—one precise strike, and one sharp question, at a time.
(With agency inputs)
