Pakistan Military Backed Terrorists, Forced Our Hand: Air Marshal Bharti
In a pointed statement during a special briefing, Air Marshal AK Bharti sharply criticized the Pakistan military for directly interfering in India’s counter-terror operations under Operation Sindoor. His remarks highlighted the growing frustration within India’s armed forces over Pakistan’s continued patronage of terror outfits.
“We also reiterated that our fight was with terrorists and their support infrastructure and not with Pakistan military. However, it is a pity that the Pakistan military chose to intervene and bat for the terrorists which compelled us to respond in kind,” said Air Marshal Bharti.
His comments reinforce the official Indian position that its military actions are aimed solely at neutralizing terror infrastructure and operatives, not provoking a conventional war with Pakistan. However, Pakistan’s decision to insert its military assets into the ongoing operations has escalated the situation.
Operation Sindoor: Clear Intent, Calibrated Response
Operation Sindoor was launched as a strategic retaliation following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. As part of the operation, Indian forces targeted over nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. While India had emphasized that the strikes were precision-based and focused solely on terrorist assets, Pakistan’s military response—including attempted airspace violations and cross-border firing—prompted firm countermeasures from Indian forces.
Air Marshal Bharti’s remarks underline India’s restrained posture, one that seeks to avoid civilian and military conflict unless absolutely necessary. However, he made it clear that the Indian Air Force has full authorization to act decisively when provoked.
Escalation Traced to Pakistan’s Shielding of Terror Assets
India’s strategic and political leadership has long maintained that the root of cross-border instability lies in Pakistan’s dual policy of denying terror links while nurturing groups that target Indian civilians and soldiers. Air Marshal Bharti’s comment now brings formal military acknowledgment to what many in India have claimed for years — that the Pakistan Army acts as a protective umbrella for terror operations within its territory.
As Operation Sindoor continues to evolve, the Indian military’s focus remains on dismantling the terror infrastructure. Yet, with the Pakistan military’s overt involvement, the conflict risks widening unless diplomatic and military channels enforce restraint.
