Why Did Pakistan Opt to Support Terrorists Instead of Remaining Neutral? - Air Marshal AK Bharti

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Operation Sindoor was a targeted military response by India against terrorism.
- Pakistan's support for terrorists forced India to take military action.
- India's air defense systems have proven to be highly effective.
- Collaboration among military branches and security forces strengthens national defense.
- All Indian airfields remain operational and safe from external threats.
New Delhi, May 12 (NationPress) India asserted on Monday that Operation Sindoor was a precise action directed at terrorism and its supporting networks, expressing disappointment that Pakistan chose to align itself with terrorists instead of taking a neutral stance, which led to a necessary military response.
"We have also emphasized that our struggle is against terrorism and its support systems, not against the Pakistani military. Unfortunately, the Pakistani military decided to intervene on behalf of the terrorists, obligating us to take action," stated Director of Air Operations Air Marshal A.K. Bharti during a joint DGMO press briefing.
He explained that India's operations on May 7 were aimed solely at terrorist hideouts, but Pakistan's direct military support to these terrorists escalated the situation into an unnecessary confrontation.
"Any damage they incurred is entirely their responsibility," Air Marshal Bharti remarked, highlighting that India's defense systems "stood firm", preventing any breaches by the enemy.
He underscored the remarkable effectiveness of India's indigenous air defense framework, particularly the Akash missile system, in intercepting and neutralizing threats.
"Waves of drones and unmanned combat aerial vehicles deployed by Pakistan were successfully countered by our homegrown soft and hard kill counter-UAS systems," he noted.
Officials confirmed that Chinese and Turkish-made drones and PL-15 missiles were intercepted before they could penetrate Indian airspace.
Lieutenant General Ghai shared video evidence of an Indian strike that left a significant crater at Pakistan's Noor Khan airbase while assuring that all Indian airfields are fully operational.
The collaboration among India's military branches, the support from other security forces like the Border Security Force (BSF), and the backing of India's 1.4 billion citizens were identified as the foundation of the country's strong response.
"Our battle-tested systems have proven resilient. The integrated, multi-layered air defense shield has become unassailable, thanks to the financial and policy support from the government over the last decade," Air Marshal Bharti affirmed.
He reiterated that India's commitment is steadfast in combating terrorism, and that military action was necessitated solely by Pakistan's choice to harbor those responsible for cross-border terrorism.