NEW DELHI, May 16 (Alliance News): Renowned American defence analyst Dr. C. Christine Fair has rejected Indian claims of shooting down Pakistani aircraft, calling them “nonsense” and lacking any credible evidence.
Speaking during an interview with veteran Indian journalist Karan Thapar on The Wire, Dr. Fair, who is widely known for her critical views on Pakistan’s military policies, surprised many by dismissing statements made by India’s Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, Director General of Air Operations.
Air Marshal Sinha had claimed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) had shot down an undisclosed number of Pakistani jets and caused extensive damage to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases at Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Jacobabad, and Bholari, citing satellite imagery.
Responding to the assertion, Dr. Fair said, “There is certainly no evidence. I am astonished by the claim that 20% of Pakistan’s air force has been rendered unusable. I’ve never heard that before. It’s quite an astonishing claim—and most certainly false.”
When asked directly whether she believed the Indian claim that Pakistani jets were downed, Dr. Fair responded bluntly: “Bakwas”, a colloquial Hindi-Urdu term meaning “nonsense.”
Her remarks carry particular weight as she has often been perceived as a strong critic of Pakistan’s policies, particularly in the context of security and regional stability. Social media users and defence observers were quick to point out that her outright rejection adds serious doubt to India’s official narrative.
The interview has since gone viral, sparking debate across South Asian strategic circles.
