‘If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars look like victory...’: India mocks Pakistan’s claim on Operation Sindoor

In a hard-hitting response to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the United Nations General Assembly, India said on Friday that the neighbouring country had pleaded for a ceasefire during the Operation Sindoor in May.

New Delhi also mocked Islamabad’s claim of dominance in the military confrontation, asking if destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars looked like victory.

India launched airstrikes targeting nine terrorist hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7 in retaliation to the Pahalagam attack. India’s action led to a military confrontation between the two countries, causing destruction to multiple Pakistani airbases.

"The Prime Minister of Pakistan advanced a bizarre account of the recent conflict with India. The record on this matter is clear. Till 9 May, Pakistan was threatening more attacks on India. But on 10 May, its military pleaded with us directly for a cessation to the fighting,” First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Petal Gahlot said in her address.

Sharif, in his speech, had claimed victory in the war and praised US President Donald Trump for facilitating a ceasefire. He also claimed that seven Indian jets were turned into scrap and dust.

In a sharp retort, Gahlot said the pictures of the damage caused to multiple Pakistani airbases by Indian forces are publicly accessible. “If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars look like victory, as the prime minister claimed, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it," she said. 

The first secretary also lashed out at Islamabad for shielding terrorists and peddling "ludicrous narratives" to mask its role as a hub of terrorism. 

"This Assembly witnessed absurd theatrics in the morning from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who once again glorified terrorism that is so central to their foreign policy. However, no degree of drama and no level of lies can conceal the facts,” she said.