The Indian military has quietly acknowledged significant losses during recent cross-border clashes by announcing military honours for several personnel, including Rafale fighter jet pilots. The development, revealed through security sources, confirms long-suspected casualties from Operation Sindoor.
While New Delhi had consistently downplayed any damage or fatalities, the sudden announcement of posthumous awards has brought to light the extent of Indian losses, especially along the Line of Control (LoC). Security officials reported that over 250 Indian troops were killed during the operation, many in targeted strikes by Pakistan.
Among those honoured are four Indian Air Force pilots, including three who were flying Rafale jets. The list further includes five S-400 air defence operators killed at Adampur Airbase and nine others who died in attacks on Udhampur Airbase, including air defence personnel.
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Additional casualties were recorded at the Rajouri aviation base and Uri supply depot, where two and four soldiers, respectively, are also being recognised. Notably, the families of the deceased have reportedly been asked to remain silent online, suggesting continued efforts by Indian authorities to manage public perception.
The honours have sparked criticism, with many questioning the government’s narrative. Observers point out the contradiction between the earlier denial of casualties and the sudden recognition of the dead.
The Indian military faced these losses during Pakistan’s large-scale retaliatory campaign, Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, launched in response to India’s unprovoked missile attacks. Pakistan reportedly destroyed six IAF jets, including three Rafales, and dozens of drones during the 87-hour confrontation.
The conflict ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on May 10. According to Pakistan’s military, 53 people, including 13 soldiers and 40 civilians, were martyred during Indian strikes.