National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has sparked a powerful conversation after he publicly challenged foreign media narratives surrounding Operation Sindoor, India’s recent cross-border counterterror strike.
Operation Sindoor: A Precision Strike
Launched on May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor was India’s strategic response to a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. India’s Air Force struck nine terror hubs deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting locations such as:
- Jaish-e-Mohammad headquarters in Bahawalpur
- Lashkar-e-Taiba base in Muridke
- Facilities in Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, and Chaklala
According to Doval, the entire mission lasted just 23 minutes. Each target was hit with surgical accuracy. No unintended areas were impacted.
NSA Doval’s Bold Statement at IIT Madras
During the 62nd Convocation Ceremony of IIT Madras, NSA Doval emphasized the use of indigenous defence technology. He highlighted how India must continue innovating within its own ecosystem.
“We decided to target nine terrorist locations far from the border. Not one missile missed. It was pure precision,” Doval said. He stressed the importance of accuracy in both execution and messaging.
Calling Out the Foreign Press
Doval directly addressed international media outlets, particularly The New York Times. He accused them of misreporting the event and challenged them to produce even one image of damage on Indian soil.
“They wrote that Pakistan retaliated. But you show me one photo—just one—of any damage to an Indian building. Not even a broken glass pane,” Doval asserted.
He said foreign reports merely recycled satellite images of Pakistani air bases before and after May 10, showing damage in Pakistan but no proof of Indian losses.
India’s Defence Holds Strong
Pakistan reportedly attempted counterattacks using drones and missiles. However, Indian air defence systems intercepted them successfully. No civilian or military structures were harmed on Indian territory.
This reflects not just operational strength but also the technological maturity of India’s defence infrastructure.
Why It Matters: Perception vs. Reality
In the age of digital warfare, perception is as critical as physical outcomes. NSA Doval’s bold statement pushes back against misrepresentation and seeks to reaffirm India’s accountability and transparency in global conflict narratives.
India has consistently maintained that Operation Sindoor was a counterterrorism mission—not an act of war. This distinction is essential for global diplomatic optics and domestic morale.
Moving Forward: India’s Tech-Driven Defence
Doval urged young engineers at IIT Madras to contribute to India’s indigenous defence capabilities. He emphasized that India’s strength in AI, satellite imaging, and drone warfare will define the next era of national security.
“Let us not depend on others for our safety. Let us lead the way,” he concluded.
Conclusion
NSA Doval’s statement is a significant moment in India’s geopolitical communication. By openly challenging the narrative and demanding evidence, he has shifted the spotlight onto the credibility of international media.
Operation Sindoor stands as a testimony to India’s tactical precision, technological advancement, and growing assertiveness in defending its sovereignty—both on the ground and in global discourse.
