WEB DESK: Security sources have claimed that the Indian military sustained significant casualties during “Operation Sindoor” and related incidents, and the losses have still not been publicly acknowledged by Indian authorities.
According to the sources, more than 250 Indian soldiers reportedly died along the Line of Control (LoC), with further losses at key military installations including Pathankot, Udhampur, Rajouri, and Uri.
The sources allege that the Indian government and armed forces have withheld information regarding the scale of the losses to avoid acknowledging operational setbacks. Despite international media reports and internal pressure, Indian authorities have reportedly refrained from publicly admitting the full extent of the casualties.
According to the same sources, India has now decided to award military honors to over 100 deceased personnel, including, seven members of the Indian Air Force and five infantry soldiers; nine soldiers from the Indian Army’s 93 Infantry Brigade Headquarters; four pilots, including three Rafale pilots; five S-400 missile system operators killed at Udhampur Airbase; nine total personnel at Udhampur, including air defense units; two soldiers from Rajouri aviation base and four from Uri; one soldier from an intelligence unit in Nowshera; and three soldiers of the 12th Infantry Brigade stationed in Uri.
Security sources further claim that Indian military families have come under pressure not to share images or details of their deceased relatives. Despite this, several senior Indian military and diplomatic officials are said to have privately acknowledged the losses.
The sources add that while India did not initially recognise its casualties, the internal pressure has reportedly forced the military to begin awarding honors to some of the dead, mirroring global military traditions of honoring fallen personnel.
Abhinandan Varthaman, the Indian pilot captured during the 2019 aerial conflict, was also awarded five military decorations, including the Vir Chakra, after his aircraft was downed and he was held briefly in Pakistan.
Defense analysts noted that professional militaries worldwide honor soldiers who die or are injured in the line of duty, and public recognition is seen as essential to morale and transparency.
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