WEB DESK: In a recent interview, US defense expert and political scientist Dr. C. Christine Fair dismissed India’s assertions of having shot down Pakistani aircraft as unfounded and “nonsense.”
Dr. Fair, known for her expertise in security, counterterrorism, and South Asian affairs, has been openly critical of Pakistan, which adds weight to her skepticism regarding India’s claims.
During her appearance on Indian journalist Karan Thapar’s show on The Wire, ‘The Interview with Karan Thapar,’ she addressed questions about Indian Air Force (IAF) statements. Thapar referenced IAF Director General of Air Operations, Air Marshal Bharti, who claimed that the Indian Air Force had downed an undisclosed number of Pakistani jets and pointed to satellite images indicating significant damage to Pakistani airbases in Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Jacobabad, and Bholari.
In response, Dr. Fair emphasized the lack of concrete evidence supporting these claims. She stated, “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 queried about the specific assertion by Air Marshal Bharti, Fair responded bluntly: “Bakwas,” meaning nonsense, reaffirming her view that there is no credible proof to support India’s assertions.
Her comments underscore skepticism within the international defense community regarding the Indian military’s public claims about recent aerial engagements with Pakistan.
