### India’s Defence Chief Reports Initial Air Losses in Conflict with Pakistan

India’s chief of defence staff, General Anil Chauhan, has confirmed that the nation experienced initial losses in the air during a recent four-day conflict with Pakistan. However, he refrained from providing detailed information about these losses. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, General Chauhan emphasized the importance of understanding the reasons behind these setbacks and how India has adapted its strategies accordingly.

The confrontation, which was the most severe between the nuclear-armed neighbors since 1999, resulted in over 70 casualties due to missile, drone, and artillery fire. Both countries have presented conflicting accounts of the extent of the damage. India claims its precision strikes against several "terror camps" in Pakistan killed more than 100 "terrorists," a claim Pakistan disputes, asserting that over 30 Pakistani civilians were killed. On the Indian side, nearly two dozen civilians lost their lives, predominantly in the region of Indian-administered Kashmir.

The conflict erupted on April 22 following an attack that took the lives of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir. India accused Pakistan of supporting the armed group responsible for the attack, an allegation that Islamabad has denied.

During the combat, Pakistan alleged that it had shot down at least five Indian military aircraft, including three Rafale fighters. General Chauhan dismissed these claims as "absolutely incorrect," though he confirmed the loss of at least one Indian aircraft. He highlighted that India’s response involved adjusting tactics after the initial losses and subsequently launching large-scale precision strikes on airbases deep within Pakistan on May 7, 8, and 10.

In the aftermath of the ceasefire agreed on May 10, Indian Air Marshal AK Bharti stated on May 11 that all Indian pilots had returned home safely, acknowledging that losses are an inherent part of combat situations. General Chauhan assured that India stands ready to respond decisively to any further terror threats emanating from Pakistan and stressed the need for constant preparedness.

Despite Pakistan's close alliance with China, General Chauhan noted that there was no indication of active support from Beijing during the conflict. He mentioned that any satellite imagery or intelligence that Pakistan may have procured could also be commercially available from other sources, including China.

The ceasefire brings a momentary halt to the hostilities, but the situation remains tense as both countries continue to monitor and prepare for any further provocations.