Vice Admiral A N Pramod said on Thursday that India, by attacking terrorist centers in the heart of Pakistan, has actually succeeded in exposing the nuclear blackmail trick carried out by Islamabad.
While speaking on the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the Director General of Naval Operations said that while the operation against Pakistan was evidence of deliberate determination, the next response would be about sustained superiority.
“By striking terrorist hubs in the heart of Pakistan using long-range precision weapons, India has effectively countered Pakistani nuclear blackmail,” Pramod said. “The increasing importance of unmanned and autonomous systems, as we have seen in recent conflicts, reinforces the need for accelerated integration in our operational architectures.”
India has repeatedly reiterated the nuclear deception factor. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who described Pakistan as the “epicentre of international terrorism”, said India had not fallen for the “hoax” of a nuclear attack.
Read also: 9 terror camps, 11 airports and 13 planes: India lists Pakistan’s losses on Operation Sindoor anniversary
In military operations beginning on May 7, 2025, India struck deep into Pakistani territory in a coordinated operation, targeting nine high-value terrorist launch pads across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and dismantling the centers of Lashkar-e-Taiba, JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen.
India remains prepared for future operations
AN Pramod said the operation reflects India’s strategic resolve, operational readiness and increased indigenous defense capabilities. He further said that India remains focused on inducting specialized capabilities and is constantly reviewing operational concepts to stay ahead of the adversary.
“The performance of indigenous ships such as the Vikrant and Kolkata aircraft carriers and Visakhapatnam-class destroyers validates the Indian Navy’s investment in indigenous capabilities, blue water preparedness and integrated warfighting, reaffirming Atmanirbharta as a critical enabler of operational success,” he said.
Speaking about the challenges ahead, he said that India will not only retaliate, but will shape the battlefield from the beginning.
Also read: ‘Sirf Hongama khada karna maqsad nahi’: Operation Sindoor team’s big message to Pakistan
He added: “If Operation Sindoor is evidence of deliberate determination, then our next response will be about sustained superiority. If we are challenged again, we will not just fight back, we will shape the battlefield from the beginning.”
India destroyed 13 Pakistani aircraft and bombed 11 airfields
Indian officials also made clear the extent of the damage inflicted on Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, with Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Awadesh Kumar Bharti, saying that during the 2025 strikes, Indian forces “destroyed 13 Pakistani aircraft” and hit “11 airfields.”
“We struck and destroyed all nine of their terror camps on May 7. The proof is there for all to see. We struck 11 of their airfields. We destroyed 13 aircraft either on the ground or in the air, including a high-value aircraft airborne at a record distance of over 300 km,” Vadish Kumar Bharti said.
