India is prepared for any future military conflict, said Air Marshal A.K. Bharti on Monday, emphasizing lessons from Operation Sindoor and the country’s enhanced combat readiness.

“The next battle will be different from this one—it’s a cat-and-mouse race. You must stay ahead of the curve,” Air Marshal Bharti stated during a media briefing. He asserted that India’s forces were “trained, equipped, and ready” to meet future threats, despite the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Quoting the Ram Charit Manas, Bharti said, “Bhay bin hoye na preet” (There is no love without fear), to underscore India’s intent to send a stern message through deliberate escalation.

Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt. General Rajiv Ghai noted that India’s multi-layered air defence grid was crucial in foiling all Pakistani aerial threats during the May 9–10 escalation. This included intercepting Pakistani drones and missiles with laser guns, electronic warfare systems, and the Akash air defence system.

The media briefing also featured a video presentation inspired by poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and visuals of destroyed Pakistani PL-15E missiles and drones.

Officials justified Operation Sindoor by citing Pakistan’s support for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 25 tourists and a local pony operator were killed. On May 7, India struck nine terror bases in Pakistan and PoK, eliminating over 100 terrorists.

In response, Pakistan launched missile and drone strikes into Indian territory, targeting regions in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. However, all attacks were successfully intercepted. India retaliated with a massive 90-minute air campaign targeting 11 Pakistani airbases, many housing key F-16 and JF-17 squadrons.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation earlier in the day with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and top military leadership.