Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition has intensified his criticism of Operation Sindoor by raising specific queries regarding potential Indian Air Force (IAF) losses and an alleged prior notification to Pakistan.
Gandhi recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend India against comments made by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar suggesting India communicated with Pakistan at the start of its operation, suggesting India communicated with Pakistan prior to beginning. Gandhi shared a video clip showing Jaishankar admitting to it and asked who authorized it and how many aircraft had been lost as a result. These statements can be found at The Times of India +10 and New Indian Express +10.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded swiftly, clarifying that Jaishankar’s statements related to messages sent shortly after Operation Sindoor began and not before. Gandhi’s interpretation was termed as a misrepresentation of facts by MEA officials. The Indian Express +5, New Kerala +5 and Times of India reported this development.
Press Information Bureau Fact Check unit concurred with MEA’s statement, maintaining that Jaishankar had been misquoted and no advance warning had been given to Pakistan prior to the operation. Pragativadi News +8 And The Times Of India +8 Both media were given coverage.
Operation Sindoor began on May 7, 2025, targeting nine locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Pakistan’s Punjab province to dismantle terrorist infrastructure. Pakistan claimed they shot down five Indian jets – three Rafale fighters – but India has denied this, instead insisting the operation took place without loss to Indian assets.Wikipedia/EconomicTimes
Gandhi’s questioning highlights the need for greater transparency regarding operation outcomes and decision-making processes of the government, while further discussions demonstrate a delicate balance between national security interests and citizens’ right to know about certain matters.
As debate surrounding Operation Sindoor continues, the government faces greater pressure to provide detailed accounts of its implementation and any implications it might have on India’s defense strategy.