Over 100 Pakistani soldiers were reportedly killed during Operation Sindoor, which took place in May, according to Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy). Speaking at a conclave of Army Chiefs from UN Troop Contributing Nations, he detailed the operation aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Lt Gen Ghai, who was the Director General of Military Operations during the offensive, noted that the high number of posthumous awards given by the Pakistani Army indicated significant casualties. He stated, "Pakistanis possibly unwittingly let out their awards list last month on the 14th of August, and the number of posthumous awards that they awarded suggests to us now that their casualties on the LoC were also in excess of 100."

The operation involved precision strikes by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on multiple Pakistani air bases on the night of May 9 and 10. Lt Gen Ghai confirmed that 11 air bases were targeted, resulting in damage to three hangars and four radars, as well as the destruction of a C-130 aircraft and several fighter jets, including F-16s.

He emphasized the significance of the operation, stating, "The impunity with which these attacks were carried out is what is significant." The Indian Navy was also placed on high alert during this period. Ghai mentioned that Pakistan sought a cessation of hostilities within 88 hours of the operation's launch, indicating the pressure they faced.

The operation was a response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Ghai explained that the perpetrators were "eliminated clinically" within 96 days, describing them as exhausted and malnourished when found. He highlighted that the military actions were part of a broader strategy that included psychological warfare and diplomatic measures, such as the potential suspension of the Indus Water Treaty.

Ghai concluded by stating that India had endured over 28,000 terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir since the late 1980s, leading to significant civilian and security personnel casualties. He remarked, "It’s very clear where this is coming from," underscoring the ongoing challenges faced in the region.