Image: MiG-29K of the Indian Navy By Indian Navy, CC BY 2.5 in (Wikipedia)
By Staff Writer | May 13, 2025
NEW DELHI — Senior Indian defence officials on Monday firmly denied allegations that Indian forces targeted a Pakistani nuclear storage facility during recent military operations, stating that no such strike was conducted or even intended.
In a detailed press briefing held on May 12, top officials from the Ministry of Defence, including senior commanders from all three branches of India’s Armed Forces, addressed media questions regarding India’s cross-border actions during Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7 in response to a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region that killed 26 people.
#PLA #China #Japan #Korea #India #Taiwan #PakistanArmy
Satellite images of Nur Khan airbase in Pakistan show visible damage from a missile strike by India
Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force on Sunday said Operation Sindoor against hostile groups in the region was still ongoing… pic.twitter.com/eTDsMxpW6E
— Koba (@Roberto05246129) May 11, 2025
Air Marshal A.K. Bharti of the Indian Air Force specifically refuted claims circulating in regional and international media that the Indian military had struck a site in Pakistan’s Kirana Hills believed to be linked to nuclear weapons storage.
“We are not aware of any nuclear facility at the location in question, and in any case, it was not among the targets selected or engaged during our operations,” Bharti stated. He reiterated that Indian strikes had been carefully calibrated and were aimed at verified terrorist infrastructure only.
Bharti also praised India’s layered air defence systems, including both modern and older, battle-hardened platforms, for successfully intercepting incoming Pakistani drones, missiles, and loitering munitions, many of which were reportedly of Chinese and Turkish origin.
Sharing the stage with Bharti was Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod of the Indian Navy, who confirmed the Navy’s full operational deployment during Operation Sindoor. This included the mobilisation of one of India’s two Carrier Battle Groups (CBGs). Pramod emphasised that the Indian Navy faced no challenge to its dominance at sea.
“No hostile aircraft came within hundreds of kilometers of our CBG,” Pramod declared, adding that MiG-29K fighter jets from an Indian aircraft carrier provided round-the-clock air cover, ensuring operational superiority in the region.
Air Marshal Bharti’s smile fueled speculation, but India officially denies striking Pakistan’s alleged nuclear facility at Kirana Hills, claiming only terror targets were hit. pic.twitter.com/G4qUCgNLeM pic.twitter.com/tp2XEaL9MZ
— Shruti Pandey 🚩 (@Pandeyshruti252) May 12, 2025
India launched Operation Sindoor after accusing Pakistani-backed proxy militants of orchestrating the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Following several days of intense hostilities, a bilateral ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10 through high-level military communications between the two countries’ Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs).
In a nationally televised address at 8 p.m. on May 12, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Indian Armed Forces for their professionalism and preparedness. India’s Armed Forces have made the nation proud. Operation Sindoor was a message to terrorists and their backers that India will not tolerate violence and will respond wherever necessary,” Modi said.
He stressed that India’s military actions were “measured, targeted, and just,” aimed solely at eliminating terrorist threats.
As calm returns along the India-Pakistan border, international observers have cautiously welcomed the ceasefire. However, the situation remains sensitive, with both nuclear-armed neighbours under close global scrutiny.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.