Indian Air Force Secures Ceasefire After Targeting Pakistan

The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully compelled Pakistan to call for a ceasefire after executing targeted strikes on military objectives during Operation Sindoor. According to Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, fewer than 50 weapons were deployed in the operation, which took place from May 7 to May 10, 2025. The IAF’s actions were a direct response to a Pakistani attack on the night of May 9, which prompted India to escalate its military response.

In his remarks at a recent defense summit, Air Marshal Tiwari highlighted the effectiveness of the IAF’s strategy, stating that the operation achieved “complete domination” over the Pakistani military. He noted that the precision and limited number of strikes resulted in significant damage to targets, some of which had not been struck even during the 1971 war. “In less than 50 weapons, we were able to achieve complete domination. It has not happened before,” he remarked.

The IAF initiated Operation Sindoor in reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack, which had raised concerns regarding terrorist activities in regions controlled by Pakistan. The operation focused on nine specific terror targets selected from a broader list, with clear directives for the action to be “visible.” Tiwari emphasized the importance of “conflict elimination” as part of the overall military strategy, acknowledging that while initiating conflict is straightforward, bringing it to a close is far more complex.

Despite the IAF’s readiness for a potential escalation following the initial strikes, Air Marshal Tiwari conveyed that India sought to limit military engagement to strategic targets. He explained, “We expected a response and still kept it calibrated, engaging only military targets. But when the main attack came on the night of May 9-10, we decided that we needed to go and send the right message. We hit them pan-front.”

The Air Marshal underscored the risks associated with using long-range vectors to strike enemy positions. He expressed pride in the IAF’s execution of the operation, stating that the mission was conducted with precision and without collateral damage. “To the credit of our planners and people who executed the missions, we were able to take out each target precisely,” he added.

The successful conclusion of Operation Sindoor highlights the evolving military capabilities of the IAF and its strategic approach to addressing threats in the region. As tensions continue to simmer between India and Pakistan, the implications of this operation may have lasting effects on future military engagements and diplomatic relations.