The Indian Army on Saturday acknowledged suffering significant losses following a series of missile attacks by Pakistan on multiple Indian airbases and military installations.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, an Indian Army spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan launched high-speed missile strikes on strategic airbases located in Pathankot, Udhampur, Bhuj, and Adam Port.
The spokesperson said the strikes caused "considerable damage" to infrastructure and equipment, and led to "human and material losses."
“This was an unprecedented and coordinated assault. We confirm that Pakistan targeted 26 of our installations, including frontline airbases,” the spokesperson said, adding that the Indian military had “taken note of the aggression” but reiterated that New Delhi was not seeking an escalation of tensions.
In a marked shift from earlier statements, India acknowledged the loss of senior personnel, including the death of a senior administrative officer, Raj Kumar Thapa, who was killed during a missile strike in the Rajouri sector of Indian-administered Kashmir.
While refraining from disclosing the total casualty count, officials described the damages as “serious” and said assessments were ongoing. Military observers noted that this was one of the rare instances in recent history where the Indian Army publicly acknowledged the scale of damage inflicted by Pakistan in a retaliatory operation.
Colonel Sofia Qureshi, representing the Indian Army in the press briefing, said India was committed to halting further escalation, provided Pakistan reciprocated. “India does not wish to prolong this conflict. If Pakistan also agrees to de-escalate, we are prepared to stand down,” she said.
The Pakistani side has not issued a formal statement, but military officials in Islamabad maintained that the strikes were a “measured and proportionate response” to prior Indian provocations.
Regional analysts suggest the Indian admission could be a strategic move aimed at garnering international support while signaling a willingness to step back from the brink of war.
Tensions have been steadily rising over the past few weeks, with both nations accusing each other of cross-border violations and aggression. However, Saturday’s development marks a significant turning point in the unfolding crisis, with India’s softened rhetoric hinting at potential diplomatic backchannels at work.
As of now, there is no official word on whether backdoor negotiations are underway. However, both capitals have witnessed increased activity involving foreign diplomatic missions, suggesting international efforts to mediate and contain the flare-up.
