DGMOs Press Briefing: India’s military action targeted terrorists, not Pakistan Army

India’s top defence officials, addressing the media on Operation Sindoor, squarely held Pakistan accountable for the damage it suffered during the recent cross-border military operation. During a joint briefing by the Director General of Air Operations (DGAO) Air Marshal AK Bharti and Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, the Indian military leadership clarified that its actions were aimed at neutralising terrorist infrastructure, not escalating tensions with the Pakistani military.

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Air Marshal AK Bharti: "Pakistan Chose to Fight for Terrorists"

Air Marshal AK Bharti strongly criticised Pakistan’s military for intervening on behalf of terror groups, stating that India’s operation was limited to dismantling terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). “It is unfortunate that the Pakistani military chose to intervene — and that too, for terrorists,” he said.

He highlighted that India’s response was measured, calibrated, and aimed at ensuring national security. “Our battle-proven systems stood the test of time and were ready to take on any challenge. The indigenous Akash air defence system played a stellar role in intercepting threats,” Bharti said, crediting the government’s sustained investment in defence infrastructure for this preparedness.

He also noted that Pakistan employed several waves of drones and unmanned combat aerial vehicles in retaliation. “These were effectively countered by India's indigenously developed soft and hard kill counter-UAS systems, supported by highly trained air defence personnel,” he added.

Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai: "We Were Prepared for Retaliation"

DGMO Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai echoed Bharti’s statements, emphasizing that the Indian military had anticipated retaliation following its strike. “Since we had launched military action across the border, we were fully prepared for any counterattacks. Our air defence grid was ready and highly effective,” he said.

Ghai underscored the robustness of India’s layered air defence, drawing an unusual yet pointed cricket analogy. Using a sporting metaphor, Ghai likened India’s layered air defence strategy to a formidable cricket bowling attack. “Even if you crossed one layer, another would stop you,” he remarked, drawing parallels with legendary Australian bowlers Thommo and Lillee to illustrate the depth of India’s defensive grid.

India confirmed that its defence included the deployment of Akash surface-to-air missiles among other advanced systems, ensuring no Pakistani aerial incursion succeeded.

The press briefing conveyed a clear message — India's military response was focused, defensive in posture, and aimed solely at eliminating terror threats, not provoking a broader conflict.

Here are 10 key highlights from the above DGMOs press briefing:

1. Pakistan Held Accountable: Air Marshal AK Bharti stated that Pakistan was solely responsible for the setbacks it suffered during India’s military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.
2. Not Against Pakistani Military: Bharti clarified that India's military action was aimed at terror networks and not the Pakistani armed forces, which unfortunately chose to involve themselves in defense of the terrorists.
3. India’s Calculated Response: Bharti emphasized that India’s response was necessitated by the Pakistani military's decision to shield terrorist groups, calling their intervention unfortunate.
4. Indigenous Systems Proven in Combat: He highlighted the successful deployment of India’s homegrown defence systems, particularly noting the robustness and reliability of the Akash air defence system.
5. Government Support Vital: The operational efficiency of India's air defence grid was credited to consistent financial and policy support from the Indian government over the past decade.
6. Counter-UAS Capability: Bharti shared that India effectively neutralized multiple drone and unmanned aerial vehicle incursions by Pakistan using indigenously developed soft and hard kill systems.
7. Prepared for Retaliation: DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai noted that India anticipated retaliatory strikes after its offensive and had bolstered air defences accordingly.
8. Air Defence Success: Ghai reaffirmed that Pakistan’s attempts to hit key Indian airbases and logistic hubs were successfully intercepted by India’s multi-layered defence.
9. Strategic Missile Deployment: Bharti revealed that Akash surface-to-air missiles were among the systems used during India’s operations, underlining their effectiveness.
10. Unyielding Defence Layers: Drawing an analogy from cricket history, Ghai said India's defence grid was like a layered trap—any breach would still meet decisive resistance.