Synopsis: Following Rahul Gandhi’s question about aircraft losses during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force released a video featuring Rafale jets, amid conflicting claims of losses and internal Congress debates over Gandhi’s attack on Jaishankar.
New Delhi: On May 20, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) released a video showcasing its Rafale fighter jets in action, hours after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the government on the number of aircraft lost during Operation Sindoor. The video, posted on the IAF’s official social media at 03:11 PM IST, highlights the Rafale’s capabilities, seemingly as a response to ongoing speculation about losses in recent India-Pakistan clashes. Meanwhile, internal debates within Congress and political support from CPI’s D Raja have added layers to the controversy.
Rahul Gandhi’s Query and Congress’s Internal Divide
Rahul Gandhi has been vocal about the IAF’s alleged losses, asking on May 19, “How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew?” His remarks targeted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, alleging prior warnings to Pakistan compromised the operation. On May 20, Gandhi reiterated, “EAM Jaishankar’s silence isn’t just telling—it’s damning. So I’ll ask again: How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew? This wasn’t a lapse. It was a crime. And the nation deserves the truth.” However, the Congress party appears divided. Some members find Gandhi’s line of attack “problematic,” especially after spokesperson Pawan Khera called Jaishankar a “mukhbir (informer)” for Pakistan, with a section of the party feeling this rhetoric is “stretching it too far.”
Political Support and Calls for Accountability
CPI leader D Raja backed Rahul Gandhi on May 20 at 02:33 PM IST, questioning the Prime Minister’s silence: “Why does the PM not open his mouth and speak on such a matter?” Raja asserted that the BJP must respect parliamentary democracy and demanded transparency on Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack. The Ministry of External Affairs, however, refuted Gandhi’s claims, adding to the political tension. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also briefed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, on India-Pakistan developments on the same day.
Conflicting Claims on Rafale Losses
Pakistan claimed it downed five Indian jets, including three Rafales, during Operation Sindoor, using Chinese-made J-10 jets and PL-15 missiles. The Press Information Bureau debunked these claims, stating that viral images of a downed Rafale were from a 2021 MiG-21 crash. However, some Western media, like Reuters, reported US officials confirming at least one Rafale loss, while Indian military officials neither confirmed nor denied, stating “losses are part of combat” but all pilots returned safely.
IAF’s Strategic Video Release
The IAF’s video, featuring Rafale jets conducting maneuvers, appears to counter narratives of significant losses. It emphasizes the fleet’s operational readiness, possibly to reassure the public and deflect criticism. However, the video does not address specific claims, leaving questions about the true extent of losses unanswered.
Conclusion: The IAF’s Rafale video projects strength amid Rahul Gandhi’s questions, political support from CPI, and internal Congress debates, but clarity on Operation Sindoor’s impact on India’s air fleet remains elusive.
