In a development that has sparked widespread scrutiny, the Indian government has announced it will award honors to over 100 soldiers and pilots killed during Operation Sindoor casualties it had previously declined to publicly acknowledge.

According to security sources, the Indian Army suffered substantial losses in the operation, with over 250 troops killed along the Line of Control alone.

Despite this, the government and military reportedly withheld casualty figures to avoid public embarrassment and internal backlash.

The list of those now being posthumously honored includes 7 personnel from an Indian Air Force unit, 5 soldiers from the 10th Infantry Brigade killed at G-Top, and 9 troops from the 93rd Infantry Brigade headquarters.

Four Indian Air Force pilots three of whom flew Rafale jets are also among the deceased being recognized, as well as 5 operators of the S-400 missile defense system who died at Adampur Airbase. Additional awards will go to personnel killed in Udhampur, Rajouri, Uri, Nowshera, and other locations.

International media reports indicate that effective Pakistani strikes on key installations including Pathankot and Udhampur forced India to accept a ceasefire.

Indian generals and diplomats have since admitted that the clashes caused significant damage, including destroyed bases and losses of modern Rafale aircraft.

Security sources allege that in the aftermath, Indian authorities not only suppressed details of the casualties but also pressured grieving families to remain silent and refrain from sharing photos of the dead on social media.

Defense analysts say the government’s abrupt reversal publicly awarding honors it once denied raises serious questions about transparency and accountability.

They argue that while professional armies around the world honor fallen troops with pride, India’s refusal to acknowledge the sacrifices has been both unprofessional and disrespectful.

Observers recall that in 2019, Wing Commander Abhinandan was awarded the Vir Chakra after his MiG-21 was shot down, one of only five awards announced at that time. In contrast, the scale of recognition now appears aimed at deflecting criticism over previously hidden losses.

Experts contend that the Modi administration’s efforts to rebrand the defeats as heroic sacrifices are ultimately a failed attempt to disguise military setbacks and deceive both the Indian public and the international community.

This development underscores the continuing controversy over India’s conduct in the conflict and the pressure facing the government to address allegations of concealment and mishandling of military operations.