National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday strongly defended the precision and effectiveness of India’s military action under Operation Sindoor, asserting that not a single Indian structure was damaged during the four-day cross-border conflict with Pakistan. Speaking at the 62nd convocation of IIT Madras, Doval challenged critics and international media to produce even one photograph showing destruction on Indian soil.
“We targeted nine terrorist camps deep inside Pakistan—not along the borders—and we missed none. The entire operation took just 23 minutes,” Doval said. He emphasized that the strikes were planned with pinpoint accuracy, backed by real-time intelligence and high indigenous technological content. “It was precise to the point where we knew who was where,” he added.
Operation Sindoor was launched by India in the early hours of May 7, following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. In retaliation, the Indian military hit terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reportedly killing over 100 terrorists. The strikes triggered a limited conflict that included missile and drone attacks on military targets across both nations. A mutual ceasefire understanding was reached on May 10.
Taking aim at foreign media coverage, Doval said, “They wrote and published things about damage in India… I ask you, is there a single photo of even a broken glass pane?” He noted that the only images circulating were those showing before-and-after satellite views of Pakistani air bases like Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, and Chaklala. “I’m only quoting what the foreign press themselves showed,” he added, referencing visible damage to Pakistani installations.
Doval used the occasion to stress the need for India to continue building indigenous defence capabilities. “We are proud of how much of our indigenous technology was involved in Operation Sindoor,” he said, addressing students and faculty at the premier institute.
His remarks come amid continued strategic and political discussions following Operation Sindoor, which is being seen as a turning point in India’s response doctrine to cross-border terrorism.
