'Quoted Out Of Context': Indian Embassy Clarifies Defence Attache's Remarks On Operation Sindoor In Indonesia

New Delhi: The Indian Embassy in Indonesia has clarified comments made by Defence Attache Captain Shiv Kumar regarding Operation Sindoor, stating that his remarks were quoted out of context in media reports. The controversy arose after Captain Kumar's presentation at a seminar in an Indonesian university, where he detailed the Indian military's response during the initial phase of Operation Sindoor. Refuting the reports regarding a presentation made by the Defence Attache at a seminar over the loss of the fighter jets during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Embassy stated that the remarks were "quoted out of context" and are "misrepresenting the intention and thrust" of the presentation.

Captain Shiv Kumar reportedly mentioned that the Indian Air Force lost fighter jets to Pakistan on the night of May 7 while targeting terror-linked sites in Pakistan. His revelation triggered a row, with the Congress accusing the government of "misleading" the country. Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera slammed the PM Narendra Modi-led government for not being transparent about the operation's details.

Following the row, the Indian Embassy in Indonesia has now clarified that Captain Kumar's remarks were misrepresented in the media. According to the embassy, the defence attache's presentation conveyed that the Indian Armed Forces serve under civilian political leadership, unlike some other countries in the neighbourhood. The embassy also reiterated that the objective of Operation Sindoor was to target terrorist infrastructure and that the Indian response was non-escalatory.

In a statement, the Embassy said, "We have seen media reports regarding a presentation made by the Defence Attache at a Seminar. His remarks have been quoted out of context, and the media reports are a misrepresentation of the intention and thrust of the presentation made by the speaker….The presentation conveyed that the Indian Armed Forces serve under civilian political leadership, unlike some other countries in our neighbourhood. It was also explained that the objective of Operation Sindoor was to target terrorist infrastructure, and the Indian response was non-escalatory."

India's Military Superiority On Display During Operation Sindoor

India's military prowess was showcased during Operation Sindoor, a swift and precise response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Earlier in May, an article citing Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan was released, describing the operation as India's ability to conduct large-scale counter-terror operations with surgical precision, even against a nuclear-armed adversary, without triggering major escalation.

In an interview, General Chauhan had revealed that the Armed Forces suffered losses in the initial stages of the operation but quickly rectified their tactics to launch effective counter-attacks. "So what I can say is, on May 7 and the initial stages, there were losses, but the numbers and that's not important. What was important is why did these losses occur, and what will we do after that? So we rectified the tactics and then went back on seventh, eighth and 10th, and 10th in large numbers, to hit their bases deep inside Pakistan, penetrated all their defences with impunity, with scattered opposition strikes," he said. The Indian military's ability to adapt and respond decisively ultimately forced Pakistan to seek a ceasefire.

India showcased its military superiority over Pakistan during the conflict, with its aerial strikes penetrating deep into Pakistani territory and targeting critical infrastructure like radar systems, control units, and airbases. According to the Chief of Defence Staff, India's military operation showed that large-scale counter-terror operations can be carried out with precision, even against a nuclear-armed adversary, without leading to major escalation.

However, the CDS's “losses in the initial stages” remark was immediately picked up by the opposition parties to corner the central government, questioning the operational success of Operation Sindoor. 

Congress Party's Accusations

The Congress leaders have been vocal in their criticism of the government's handling of Operation Sindoor. Jairam Ramesh questioned why the Prime Minister refused to chair an all-party meeting over the operation and why the demand for a special session of Parliament was dismissed. Pawan Khera alleged that the Centre "misled the nation from the start" by failing to disclose the aircraft losses during Operation Sindoor.

Operation Sindoor was launched by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The operation aimed to destroy terror infrastructure located deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). According to reports, India successfully shot down at least eight F-16s and four JF-17 fighter aircraft belonging to Pakistan, with estimated losses of over $3 billion.