ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Memories of the humiliating Operation Swift Retort defeat suffered by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the hands of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will remain fresh in the minds of India’s government, as the incident completed seven years on February 27, 2026.
A report released by Kashmir Media Service (KMS) on the occasion stated that it was on February 26, 2019, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, influenced by Hindutva ideology, ordered an airstrike in Balakot. Within 24 hours, the Pakistan Air Force responded through “Operation Swift Retort” on February 27, 2019.
Operation Swift Retort was launched as a response to a misadventure by the Indian BJP government, after Indian aircraft violated international laws and crossed into Pakistani airspace on the night of February 26, 2019, and carried out strikes near Balakot.
Operation Swift Retort
The PAF shot down two Indian aircraft during an aerial engagement and captured an Indian pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was later released.
The report further stated that during the heightened tensions, an Indian military helicopter was shot also in Budgam, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of crew members.
The report said the Indian Air Force launched an aerial strike near Balakot, which India described as a militant camp, claiming that over 300 militants were killed.
Pakistan and several eye witness national and international observers rejected the claim, asserting that there were no casualties. Moreover, Indian government failed to provide concrete proof of Balakot strikes
The Indian government claimed that the strike was successful, while opposition parties in India, at various times, questioned the official narrative and sought greater transparency.
The KMS report concluded that the Indian air strike attack and violation of international law of February 2019 continue to influence the regional security dynamics and remain a significant chapter of tension in India-Pakistan relations.
