Political Storm Erupts in India After Admission of Fighter Jet Losses

New Delhi – June 1, 2025 — A political firestorm has erupted in India following the admission by Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan that Indian fighter jets were shot down during last month's clashes with Pakistan. The revelation has sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties, with the Indian National Congress accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misleading the nation.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge led the charge, demanding a special session of Parliament to address what he called "serious questions of national importance." In a statement posted on X, Kharge called for the formation of a committee of independent experts to conduct a thorough review of India's defense preparedness, similar to the post-Kargil Review Committee established after the 1999 conflict.

“The Modi government has misled the country,” Kharge said. “We demand accountability and transparency. The truth must come out in Parliament.”

Adding to the chorus of demands for clarity, Telangana Irrigation Minister and former Indian Air Force pilot Captain N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Saturday called on the central government to disclose full details about the losses, including reports of the downing of advanced Rafale fighter jets. “The nation has a right to know,” Reddy said, warning that transparency is critical for public trust and national security.

Reddy also raised alarms over the dwindling strength of the Indian Air Force, which currently operates with 31 squadrons—well below the sanctioned strength of 42. He emphasized the need for urgent action to rebuild and modernize India’s air defense capabilities.

Earlier, the Congress party had raised pressing questions following General Chauhan’s admission, arguing that the government must address the implications of the statement and reveal what steps have been taken to prevent such losses in the future.

With the political temperature rising, calls for an independent investigation and greater transparency are growing louder, placing the Modi government under increasing scrutiny as pressure mounts from both the opposition and defense experts.