ISLAMABAD: A controversial statement attributed to Indian political analystNishant Verma has ignited intense discussions across South Asia, withclaims suggesting significant vulnerabilities in the Indian armed forcesfollowing the brief but intense military confrontation with Pakistan in May2025. Verma, described in various online platforms as the son of an IndianAir Force officer and a frequent critic of government policies, allegedlyhighlighted shortages in aircraft, modern weaponry, inability to sustainprolonged warfare, heavy losses, plummeted morale, and unpreparedness forfuture conflicts. These remarks, widely circulated in Urdu and Pakistanimedia circles, portray a stark admission of strategic setbacks.
The alleged revelations gain particular weight against the backdrop ofOperation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, 2025, in response to thePahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.Indian forces conducted precision strikes on alleged terroristinfrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targetinggroups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Official Indian accountsdescribe the operation as a calibrated success, destroying multiple terrorcamps with minimal collateral damage and demonstrating tri-servicecoordination, advanced air defence systems like the S-400, andtechnological self-reliance in drones and electronic warfare.
However, the short four-day escalation involved large-scale aerialengagements, with reports indicating over 114 aircraft from both sidesparticipating in beyond-visual-range combat, marking one of the largestsuch operations in recent history. Independent assessments note that Indiaacknowledged initial losses, including combat aircraft, while claimingdestruction of several Pakistani jets and infrastructure. The conflictended with a ceasefire on May 10, 2025, brokered amid internationalpressure and mutual recognition of nuclear risks, leaving both militariesto claim strategic gains without decisive victory.
Nishant Verma has been known for his outspoken criticism of the Indiangovernment, particularly on issues related to military management,nationalism, and political interference in defence affairs. Videos andinterviews from late 2025 feature him discussing how prolonged emphasis onpolitical narratives may have undermined operational readiness andequipment modernization. While the exact quoted Urdu phrases about the armybeing “very weak,” facing shortages, and suffering morale collapse do notappear in verifiable mainstream sources, they align with his broaderpattern of highlighting perceived deficiencies in India’s defence posture.
Defence experts point to data from global assessments, such as those fromthe International Institute for Strategic Studies, indicating that theIndian Air Force operated with around 29 combat squadrons against asanctioned strength of 42 as of late 2025, reflecting longstanding squadronshortages. Post-conflict analyses, including from think tanks like theCarnegie Endowment, emphasize lessons on precision strikes, the role ofshort-duration operations under nuclear thresholds, and the need forenhanced preparedness against evolving threats, including potential Chineseinvolvement in future scenarios.
The circulation of such claims in Pakistani media serves to boost nationalmorale while questioning the narrative of Indian dominance projected afterOperation Sindoor. Indian official statements, conversely, underscore theoperation as a milestone in counter-terrorism doctrine, with enhanceddeterrence and visible punitive action against state-sponsored threats. TheMinistry of Defence’s year-end review for 2025 highlighted achievements inself-reliance, record production, and the unmatched precision of the armedforces during the episode.
Amid ongoing regional tensions, including water disputes and diplomaticmanoeuvring, these alleged admissions underscore the fragility of publicperceptions in bilateral relations. Both sides continue to invest heavilyin military modernization, with India focusing on indigenous platforms andPakistan strengthening alliances for advanced capabilities. The episodeillustrates how individual voices, even from opposition figures, canamplify narratives in an information-saturated environment, influencingpublic opinion far beyond military realities.
Read Top Stories
Ultimately, the true impact of the 2025 confrontation lies in itsdemonstration of limited war possibilities under nuclear deterrence, whereneither side achieved overwhelming superiority. Sustained dialogue andconfidence-building measures remain essential to prevent futureescalations, as short, intense conflicts carry high risks of miscalculation.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025India–Pakistanconflict
Tags: India, Pakistan, Operation Sindoor, Indian Air Force, Nishant Verma
ogimageimage-name