India armed and ready for 'future missions', says Air Marshal AK Bharti

In a strong assertion of India's military readiness, Air Marshal AK Bharti on Monday stated that all military bases and systems across the country remain fully operational and capable of responding to any future contingencies.

“All our military bases, systems continue to remain fully operational and ready to undertake any future missions should the need arise,” said the Air Force leader while addressing a press conference held by the Indian Armed Forces heads including DGMO Rajiv Ghai, Major Gen SS Sharda, and Vice Admiral AN Pramod

Air Marshal Bharti, who currently serves as the Director General Air Operations (DGAO), also addressed the nature of recent hostilities with Pakistan, stressing that India's confrontation through Operation Sindoor was aimed strictly at terrorist elements.


He underscored that the Pakistani military’s decision to side with and support these terrorist groups effectively escalated the situation.





"We also reiterated that our fight was with terrorists and their support infrastructure and not with the Pakistani military. However, it is a pity that the Pakistani military chose to intervene. As such, Pakistan themselves responsible for the damages caused to them," the Air Marshal said.

The IAF head also said hailed Indian government for its support in developing the country's air defence system with robust infrastructure.

"Our robust air defence system comprises a large variety of air defence censors and defence systems. Putting together an air defence operation environment has been over the last decade has been possible because of the unwavering budgetary support of the Indian government," he said.

The statements were made as the conflicts between the two disputing neighbours neared a closing chapter after days of a war-like situation.

The Indian Army on Monday morning reported that the night had remained largely peaceful across Jammu and Kashmir, with no hostilities between the Indian and Pakistani militaries. This marked the first since India launched its retaliatory strike on Pakistan on May 7 which was followed by continuous firing on along the LoC and IB.

“The night remained largely peaceful across Jammu and Kashmir and other areas along the International Border. No incidents have been reported, marking the first calm night in recent days,” the Army said in a brief statement.

According to DGMO Ghai, around five Indian military personnel were martyered in the conflict while around 35-40 Pakistani armymen were shot down. Several individuals lost their lives on both sides of the border, with Pakistan taking on considerably more damage and deaths as a result of their shelling and firing on Indian civilian territories.

The two countries were scheduled to hold a second round of ceasefire talks on Monday directly through the DGMOs of each side.