New Delhi: In a significant development marking a step towards regional de-escalation, the Indian defence forces on Saturday held a high-level press conference to formally announce the cessation of hostilities with Pakistan and to categorically counter the series of falsehoods and disinformation disseminated by the Pakistani military establishment over the past few days.
The ceasefire understanding, aimed at halting further escalation after Pakistan’s unprovoked aggression, was formally announced by senior officials of the Indian Armed Forces — Commodore Raghu R Nair (Indian Navy), Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (Indian Air Force), and Colonel Sofia Qureshi (Indian Army). The trio addressed a packed media briefing in the capital and presented a comprehensive rebuttal to Pakistan’s fabricated claims of damage inflicted on Indian military assets.
Colonel Sofia Qureshi, speaking on behalf of the Indian Army, directly addressed the propaganda circulated by Pakistan through official and unofficial channels.
“Pakistan has falsely claimed that its JF-17 fighter jets damaged our strategic S-400 air defence systems and BrahMos missile base. This is not only completely baseless but also exposes the desperate attempt by Pakistan to project a hollow victory,” she stated firmly.
She went on to dismiss claims of Indian airfield damage. “Pakistan spread lies that airbases in Sirsa, Jammu, Pathankot, Bhatinda, Nalia, and Bhuj had suffered significant damage. Let me be unequivocal — there has been no such damage. All these bases are fully functional and operational,” she said.
Colonel Qureshi also addressed a deeply provocative and sensitive allegation — that the Indian Army had targeted religious sites, specifically mosques, during its retaliatory action.
“This allegation is not only malicious but aimed at fuelling communal unrest. India is a secular republic, and our armed forces uphold the Constitution in both letter and spirit. The Indian Army is a proud reflection of our nation’s diversity and secular ethos. We categorically reject Pakistan’s attempt to communalise a military conflict,” she said, adding that India conducts all military operations with precision and respect for humanitarian principles.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh offered an overview of the military operations that unfolded after Pakistan’s unprovoked attack, detailing the strategic consequences suffered by the adversary.
“Pakistan has suffered very heavy and unsustainable losses across multiple domains — air, land, and command infrastructure. Their aggression resulted in the near-total incapacitation of key air bases such as Skardu, Jacobabad, and Bholari. We also successfully degraded several of their air defence systems and radar installations, rendering their airspace increasingly indefensible,” she said.
She further noted that India’s precise targeting of Pakistani command-and-control centres and logistical infrastructure had led to the collapse of Pakistan’s operational capability in the affected sectors.
“Their morale is in shambles. The combination of military losses and structural damage has resulted in a complete breakdown of their offensive capability, especially along the Line of Control,” she said.
Commodore Raghu R Nair announced that both nations had reached an understanding to halt all military activities across land, air, and maritime domains.
“The Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force have been formally instructed to adhere to the ceasefire. However, this agreement in no way reduces our operational alertness. We remain in a heightened state of preparedness to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India,” he said.
He also reiterated that India would not tolerate any form of provocation in the future. “Let me make it absolutely clear — every past misadventure by Pakistan has been met with firm resolve. Any future escalation will invite a swift and decisive response,” he asserted.
The press conference, coming on the heels of the ceasefire agreement, was seen as both a gesture of responsible military transparency and a strategic move to counter Pakistan’s information warfare. While India reaffirmed its commitment to peace, it left no ambiguity about its readiness and resolve.
This comprehensive rebuttal not only dismantled Pakistan’s narrative but also sent a clear message to the international community — that India remains a mature power committed to peace, but with the full capacity and political will to defend its national interests whenever challenged.
As the ceasefire takes effect, the Indian armed forces continue to remain on alert, even as diplomatic channels begin to explore possible de-escalation measures. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s credibility — already under strain — has taken another blow with its fabrications being exposed point by point by India’s military leadership.
