'Satellite pictures proof enough': MEA debunks Pak claims of attacking Indian bases
Jaiswal emphasised that India’s position was consistent from the beginning – target terror hubs and avoid escalation with the Pakistani military – unless provoked
Strongly rejecting Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent claims, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday (May 13) said satellite pictures provide ample proof of how India destroyed terror hubs and attacked Pak’s military capabilities while ensuring that Indian assets remained unharmed.
Addressing the media, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Pakistan has seen its terrorism centres in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad and other places destroyed during Operation Sindoor. Thereafter, its military capabilities were significantly degraded by us, and key airbases were effectively put out of action. If the Pakistani foreign minister wishes to project these as achievements, he is welcome to do so.”
Counters Pak claims
Countering Pakistan’s claims of inflicting heavy damage on Indian assets, he added, “By the way, you all know that satellite pictures are available commercially. I urge you to look at the sites which Pakistan claims to have attacked. Contrast it with the places that we successfully targeted and destroyed. That will give you a clear picture.”
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Jaiswal emphasised that India’s position was consistent from the beginning – target terror hubs and avoid escalation with the Pakistani military – unless provoked. “Till the night of 9th May, Pakistan was threatening India with a massive assault. Once their attempt failed on the morning of 10th May and received a devastating Indian counter-response, their tune changed and their DGMO eventually reached out to us,” he said. “All you have to do is look at who called whom to negotiate the terms of the cessation of firing.”
The MEA’s statement came after Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in an interview with CNN, said that they had used Chinese-made jets to shoot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafale fighter jets. While a French intelligence source told CNN that at least one Rafale was brought down, India has not confirmed the claim.