New Delhi [India]: India has strongly rebutted Pakistan’s claims of successful strikes on Indian military assets, labeling them as “completely false and part of a coordinated misinformation campaign”, said Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi at a press briefing on Saturday.
Responding to Islamabad’s assertions that it had hit strategic locations including S-400 and BrahMos missile bases, Colonel Qureshi stated:
“Pakistan claimed it damaged our S-400 and BrahMos missile base with its JF-17, which is completely wrong. It also spread misinformation about our airfields in Sirsa, Jammu, Pathankot, Bhatinda, Nalia and Bhuj being damaged—again, entirely false.”
She further addressed false accusations regarding attacks on religious sites:
“Pakistan alleged that the Indian Army damaged mosques. I want to make it very clear that India is a secular nation, and our army reflects the constitutional values of inclusivity and integrity.”
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh also spoke at the briefing, affirming that India’s military actions have been surgically targeted at terror infrastructure only.
“No religious site has been or will ever be targeted by the Indian Armed Forces. Our operations have focused solely on terrorist camps and infrastructure aiding anti-India activities,” she stated.
She highlighted the success of India’s Operation Sindoor, citing major hits on Skardu, Jacobabad, and Bholari airbases in Pakistan, along with significant losses to enemy air defense systems and radar installations, which made large parts of Pakistan’s airspace “untenable for defense.”
Commodore Raghu R. Nair confirmed that following high-level DGMO talks, a mutual ceasefire agreement is now in place.
“There has been an understanding reached to halt all military activity across land, sea, and air. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have been formally instructed to adhere to this ceasefire,” he said.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri detailed the diplomatic breakthrough earlier in the day:
“Pakistan’s DGMO called the Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours. Both sides agreed to stop all firing and military action effective from 1700 IST today. Another round of DGMO-level talks is scheduled for May 12 at 1200 hours.”
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reinforced India’s firm position on counterterrorism, noting:
“India has always taken an uncompromising stance against terrorism. That principle remains unchanged, even as we pursue de-escalation.”
The ceasefire follows a rapid military escalation after the May 2 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. India retaliated on May 7 with Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror camps deep within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan responded with artillery shelling and drone strikes, sparking concerns of wider conflict.
Adding international weight to the development, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that India and Pakistan have agreed to broad-based peace talks at a neutral venue.
“Over the past 48 hours, VP Vance and I have engaged with senior officials from both nations, including Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif. We welcome this ceasefire and commend both leaders for choosing the path of dialogue and peace,” Rubio posted on X.