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We don't count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti, Col. Qureshi - a year later, faces of Op Sindoor still hit hard
On May 7, 2025, India publicly updated Operation Sindoor progress through press briefings featuring three women officers who became the faces of the retaliation. The article published on May 7, 2026 reflects a year later on these briefings and the discourse around the operation, including Air Marshal Bharti's remark about counting body bags.
Why It Matters
The piece shows how the Indian military communicates sensitive operations publicly and highlights the role of women officers as prominent public faces of military actions, shaping public perception of retaliation.
Timeline
3 Events
May 7, 2025 – Air Marshal Bharti's quote on casualties during Sindoor briefing
May 7, 2025
"Our aim was not to inflict casualties, but in case there have been, it is for them to count. Our job is to hit the target, not to count the body bags," Air Marshal Bharti said during a Sindoor briefing when asked about losses.
May 7, 2025 – Public briefings by Sofiya Qureshi, Vyomika Singh, and Prerna Deosthalee unveil Sindoor progress
May 7, 2025
Press briefings by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (Army), Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (Indian Air Force), and Commander Prerna Deosthalee (Navy) presented progress of Operation Sindoor, making them the faces of the action.
April 22, 2025 – Pahalgam attack referenced as trigger for Operation Sindoor
April 22, 2025
The Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025 is cited as the act avenged by Operation Sindoor, which aimed to strike terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.