Priyanka Tiwari
Share
Suspense crime, Digital Desk : The Indian Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, was forced into damage control after a retired Indian Navy officer made what the mission described as "irresponsible" and "out of context" remarks about a sensitive 2019 military incident with Pakistan.
The controversy erupted during an event hosted by the embassy, where retired Commodore Amarinder Singh was a speaker. During his address, Singh spoke about the 2019 Balakot airstrikes and the subsequent aerial engagement, during which the Indian Air Force (IAF) lost a MiG-21 Bison aircraft. Most controversially, he allegedly referred to this event using the term "Operation Sindoor."
Following the speech, the Indian Embassy swiftly issued a public statement to distance itself from the officer's claims and prevent the spread of misinformation.
In its clarification, the embassy stated unequivocally:
- The remarks were the personal opinions of Commodore Singh and do not reflect the official position of the Indian Government or the Indian Armed Forces.
- The term "Operation Sindoor" is completely fictitious and has never been used by the Indian military.
- The officer's comments were "irresponsible" and the embassy "regrets any misunderstanding or misrepresentation" they may have caused.
The 2019 incident remains a significant and sensitive chapter in India-Pakistan relations. It involved a dogfight over the Line of Control, which resulted in the downing of an IAF jet and the capture of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was later returned by Pakistan.
The embassy's quick and firm response underscores the seriousness with which it viewed the retired officer's unauthorized and inaccurate statements, especially on an official diplomatic platform. The incident highlights the potential for retired personnel to create diplomatic confusion and the importance of adhering to official accounts of military operations.
Read More: Shashi Tharoor Shares Insights from State Dinner Hosted for Vladimir Putin in New Delhi
