India has now got the strategic space to act against Pakistan: Ajai Shukla

Published on June 3, 2025. The four-day conflict from May 7 to 10, known as Operation Sindoor, has triggered fierce debate across South Asia and beyond. In this exclusive interview, veteran journalist and defence analyst Ajai Shukla joins Frontline’s Amit Baruah to discuss the air war, shifting nuclear postures, and the political narratives emerging from India and Pakistan. Context With Indian authorities remaining silent in the immediate aftermath of the operation, Pakistan seized the narrative advantage—until Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan broke ranks and admitted to Indian aerial losses in an international press interaction. This interview addresses the strategic fallout, media missteps, and the operational reality behind those headlines. Highlights -Why General Chauhan’s remarks in Singapore are a turning point -The impact of delayed Indian communication on global perception -India’s calculated ambiguity vs. Pakistan’s deterrent signaling -India’s evolving drone strategy and lessons from Ukraine -Ground vs. aerial effectiveness: Who came out ahead? Perfect For -Defence watchers -Strategic affairs students -Journalists -Policymakers -Anyone seeking clarity on how military realities shape India-Pakistan dynamics beyond the headlines. Credits: Host: Amit Baruah Produced by: Abhinav Chakraborty and Kavya Pradeep M. Production Assistant: Zara Zafia Edited by: Razal Pareed Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook -   / frontlineindia   Twitter -   / frontline_india   Instagram -   / frontline.magazine   LinkedIn -   / frontline-magazine-b12921295