TLDR:
• BJP leader admits Rafale losses
• Pakistan’s jets outperformed Indian fighters
• Modi blocking inquiry into air defeat
NEW DELHI (The Thursday Times) — In a rare and stinging admission from within India’s ruling party, senior BJP politician and former cabinet minister Subramanian Swamy has confirmed that Pakistan successfully downed multiple Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafales, during the most recent India-Pakistan air conflict. The admission directly contradicts New Delhi’s official narrative and deepens questions over India’s defence preparedness, procurement integrity, and political accountability.
پاکستان نے ہمارے (بھارت) کے پانچ طیارے مار گرائے ہیں، انکے جہاز رافیل سے بہت اچھے تھے۔ مودی کبھی اسکی تحقیقات نہٰیں ہونے دیگا۔
بی جے رہنما سبرامنیم سوامی pic.twitter.com/wNDe7i7ypB— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) May 30, 2025
Admission from within the system
Subramanian Swamy, a seasoned political figure and former minister, stated in a recent interview that Pakistan had destroyed five Indian aircraft in the post-Pehalgam engagement, using Chinese-made jets that, he claims, outperformed India’s much-touted Rafale fighters. The statement marks a dramatic departure from the government’s long-standing denial of any significant losses. Swamy’s remarks come with political weight—his standing within the BJP and prior cabinet roles lend credibility to what the Modi administration has so far refused to publicly admit.
Rafale’s performance under scrutiny
The core of Swamy’s critique lies in his assessment of the Rafale platform’s inability to meet India’s operational needs. According to him, the French aircraft failed to deliver in contested airspace, unlike the Chinese fighters employed by Pakistan. He argues that despite the Rafale’s reputation and price tag, it could not secure air superiority. Swamy’s remarks also reignite questions around the high-profile Rafale deal, which has faced corruption allegations for years.
Modi’s silence and political blockade
Swamy’s sharpest criticism was reserved for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He accused both leaders of deliberately suppressing calls for an inquiry into how Pakistan achieved such decisive aerial success and why India’s air defences failed to hold up. Swamy claims that under Modi’s leadership, there will be no accountability or debate in Parliament about what went wrong. His demand for the Prime Minister and Home Minister to resign signals rare internal dissent within the BJP’s senior ranks.
Information suppression and military silence
Swamy’s comments gain even more significance in the context of institutional silence. The Indian armed forces have refrained from responding to media questions about aircraft losses, and government spokespeople have consistently avoided confirming casualty or damage reports. Swamy’s revelations shine a light on this silence and suggest an intentional strategy to shield the public from the scale of the setback.
Pakistan’s edge and operational proof
Swamy also framed the incident as validation of Pakistan’s growing air capabilities. By successfully deploying its Chinese-origin fighters against India’s French-made jets, Pakistan not only demonstrated strategic competence but also reinforced its procurement choices. The implication is clear: Pakistan’s air force has matured into a credible and competitive force, capable of challenging India’s technological edge.
