India’s Admission of Military Losses Reflects Policy of Concealment and Regional Recklessness

India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has finally acknowledged military losses during the recent escalation — a rare but telling admission of guilt — while continuing to withhold crucial details, reinforcing accusations of India’s habitual lack of transparency in military affairs.

Despite mounting public pressure, India has refused to release specific figures regarding the damage it suffered during the recent military confrontation with Pakistan. While the Indian Air Force’s spokesperson had earlier hinted at operational setbacks, the CDS’s vague acknowledgement of losses confirms what New Delhi has long tried to suppress.

Observers believe this official silence on the scale of losses is an attempt to avoid political backlash and preserve the image of the ruling BJP government ahead of elections. However, this strategy appears to be unraveling. Public outrage is growing within India, with critics demanding transparency and accountability from the Modi administration.

The fallout has also strained India’s relations with France, following reports that several French-made Rafale fighter jets were among the aircraft downed by Pakistan’s defensive strikes. Diplomatic pressure from France may eventually force New Delhi to concede the truth — but for now, it remains firmly in damage control mode.

Analysts argue that this cover-up is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of Indian obfuscation, especially in matters involving security and foreign policy. The false flag operation in Pahalgam, where India alleged a terror attack without providing any verifiable evidence, is another clear example. It served as a pretext for unprovoked cross-border aggression, putting regional peace and stability at grave risk.

These developments once again underscore the urgent need for international oversight and an independent investigation into India’s conduct — both in its military engagements and in its handling of the Kashmir conflict.