India has quietly acknowledged the deaths of several military personnel, including three Rafale fighter jet pilots, after previously denying any casualties during the recent conflict with Pakistan.

The admission, reportedly made under mounting internal and military pressure, has shed light on the true scale of losses suffered during Operation Sindoor, particularly along the Line of Control (LoC). According to multiple security sources and media reports, India’s armed forces sustained over 250 fatalities during the hostilities.

For the first time, the Indian government has announced posthumous awards for more than 100 personnel, including four Indian Air Force pilots (three of whom flew Rafale jets), five S-400 air defence system operators, and several key base staff. The casualties include nine personnel from the Udhampur Airbase, two from the Rajouri aviation base, and four from the Uri supply depot.

Despite the public recognition, families of the deceased have reportedly been instructed not to share photos or tributes on social media, as authorities seek to limit public attention to the scale of the losses. Critics and opposition leaders have questioned the government’s earlier denials, pointing out the contradiction between the awarding of posthumous honors and the previous claims of no casualties.

The Indian government had previously dismissed reports of significant losses at key installations such as Pathankot and Udhampur.

The conflict, which erupted in early May 2025, saw Pakistan launch Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in response to Indian strikes, targeting multiple Indian military sites. Pakistani sources claim that six Indian Air Force jets, including three Rafales, were downed, and dozens of drones destroyed. The hostilities ended after 87 hours with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on May 10, 2025.