A day after India and Pakistan jointly announced a ceasefire, the Indian Air Force (IAF) clarified on Sunday that "operations are still ongoing", urging citizens and the media to avoid speculation and spreading unverified information amid heightened tensions.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the IAF stated, “The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully executed its assigned tasks in Operation Sindoor with precision and professionalism. Operations were conducted in a deliberate and discreet manner, in alignment with national objectives.”
The post emphasized the need for operational discretion and cautioned against misinformation:
“The IAF urges everyone to refrain from speculation and the dissemination of unverified information.”
The clarification comes in the wake of circulating fake news on international platforms and social media, particularly regarding an Indian pilot and alleged aerial setbacks—claims which defence analysts say are part of a disinformation campaign by the Pakistani military.
The IAF’s communication is being viewed as an effort to maintain strategic ambiguity and reinforce India’s narrative control while avoiding escalation.
Media Briefing Deferred, PM Modi Chairs High-Level Meeting
Amid the ceasefire development, the Ministry of Defence had scheduled a press briefing at 11 am on Sunday to address the prevailing situation. However, the event has been postponed, reportedly due to a key meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with top security and military officials.
Sources suggest that the Prime Minister is being updated on the broader strategic developments following Operation Sindoor, which involved multiple precision strikes on terror infrastructure and military installations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The ceasefire, though official on paper, follows four intense days of hostilities, with both nations engaging in air, missile, and drone warfare. While tensions have eased marginally, the Indian military remains on high alert, especially in the northern and western sectors of the country.
Focus on Misinformation, Not Escalation
Experts say the IAF's latest statement is not an indication of ongoing cross-border strikes, but rather a move to counter psychological warfare and preserve operational secrecy. “This is more about controlling the narrative and less about military intent,” said a senior defence analyst.
