“If Destroyed Runways Look Like Victory”: India Rebuffs Pakistan PM’s UNGA Claims

India on Saturday strongly countered Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s UN General Assembly (UNGA) speech, rejecting his claim of “victory” in the May 7–10 conflict. First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Petal Gahlot, highlighted that images of destroyed Pakistani air bases and damaged military infrastructure during Operation Sindoor told a different story.

Gahlot stated, “The pictures of that damage are publicly accessible. If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars look like victory, as the Prime Minister claimed, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it.” She emphasized that Pakistan’s military sought a cessation of hostilities on May 10 after India struck multiple airbases, contradicting Sharif’s narrative.

India also criticized Pakistan for glorifying terrorism, referencing the shielding of terror outfit The Resistance Front during the UN Security Council session on April 25. Gahlot presented photographic evidence of strikes on Bahawalpur and Muridke terror complexes during Operation Sindoor, which neutralized over 100 terrorists from groups including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Sharif’s remarks on Kashmir and claims of “victory” were dismissed as “absurd theatrics,” with India reiterating that all disputes must be addressed bilaterally, leaving no scope for third-party mediation.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. High-resolution visuals released by India showed extensive damage to Pakistani military infrastructure, including airfields, radar installations, and command centers, exposing Pakistan’s terror infrastructure.

India called on Pakistan to dismantle its terror camps and hand over wanted terrorists, emphasizing that genuine peace can only be achieved if Pakistan curtails its sponsorship of terrorism.