India’s CDS Rejects Pakistan’s 6-Jet Downing Claim as 'Absolutely Incorrect'

National News: Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Chauhan addressed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s May 28 statement, which alleged the downing of six Indian jets, including four Rafales, during India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike against terror bases in Pakistan following the April 2025 Pahalgam attack. Chauhan’s rebuttal has reignited debates about the brief but intense conflict, clarifying India’s military stance and exposing discrepancies in Pakistan’s narrative.

Context of Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor was launched by India in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 26, 2025, which killed 12 Indian soldiers and civilians. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, involving precision airstrikes by Indian Air Force jets, including Rafales and Sukhoi Su-30s. Pakistan’s claim of downing six Indian jets surfaced post-operation, with Sharif asserting on May 28 that the Pakistan Air Force achieved a significant victory. General Chauhan, while acknowledging losses of an unspecified number of jets due to “tactical miscalculations,” firmly denied Pakistan’s exaggerated figure. He emphasized that India rectified these errors swiftly, ensuring the operation’s success in neutralizing key terror targets. The CDS’s statement aligns with India’s official narrative, which credits the operation for compelling Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire on May 10, 2025, restoring calm along the Line of Control.

Chauhan’s Rebuttal and Strategic Clarity

At the Singapore dialogue, General Chauhan underscored that military operations should focus on strategic outcomes rather than inflated claims. He admitted that India faced challenges during the initial phase of Operation Sindoor, including the loss of some aircraft, but clarified that the number was “nowhere near six.” He dismissed Sharif’s claim as a bid to bolster domestic support amid Pakistan’s internal political pressures.. His remarks also addressed US President Donald Trump’s claim of mediating the ceasefire, which Chauhan refuted, asserting that the truce was a bilateral decision between India and Pakistan. The CDS’s transparency aims to counter misinformation while reinforcing India’s military credibility.

Implications for India-Pakistan Relations

The controversy over Pakistan’s claim underscores the fragile state of India-Pakistan relations, marked by competing narratives and heightened tensions post-Pahalgam. Sharif’s assertion, widely circulated on Pakistani media, has been criticized on X as propaganda, with users citing India’s superior air force capabilities. Conversely, some Pakistani commentators defend the claim, pointing to unverified footage of alleged jet wreckage. Chauhan’s rebuttal, backed by India’s defense establishment, seeks to set the record straight, emphasizing factual accuracy over political posturing. As both nations navigate the ceasefire, the incident highlights the need for de-escalation and dialogue to prevent further misinformation-driven conflicts, with India maintaining its stance against external mediation.