Just apply a simple thought experiment, imagine that you had not incurred losses, what would your narrative be then?
Actually the loss of Rafale took my side by complete surprise and create an unknown that is likely to take place in any conflict. You fire the first bullet and then events can be a complete surprise.
I assume that my people had assumed strike on 7th with no surprises for ourselves. After retaliation from Pakistan (which was certain), next step would have been taken based on the extent of that retaliation.
this is why a few of these going down is not just a psychological blow, it represents at least a partial doctrine failure,
I would call it a tactical surprise but not a doctrinal failure. A doctrine doesn’t revolve around a single platform but many of them.
This doesn't even serve the message you think it does, because it has alerted Pakistan and china to fix shortcomings,
Fixing for the next round is applicable to both and India is in a better position to do that. Apart from BVR edge, India has most other things that went good for them. Strong AD and our precision strike capability can’t be replicated so fast. The main reason for this is Pakistan’s precarious fiscal condition.
I do disagree with this concept of limited punitive strike to give a strong signal. Pakistan is not a minnow to be cowed down by such a strike. IF (if), India really thought it necessary then it has to take the hard decision of bigger military action. The previous one in 2019 did good for 6 years and wasn’t good enough.
Let’s also look at what Munir gained in all this. Before May 25, Munir was most reviled and hated person on this forum. Not even one person was standing in his support. Look at where he is now. One extra star, FM for life, CDF and complete control of Pakistan.
Who played dirty is only a speculation but when one looks at the outcome, it appears to be very obvious. Let me repeat, it is just a speculation and I have no intent to argue further on this point as it would turn into - my word against your’s.
My point still remains - Munir gained a lot over what I perceive to be not a great deployment of military power. And also that -Had Pakistan accepted a ceasefire on 7th, then that would have been huge narrative for Pakistan, while zero for India. But as they say hindsight is always 20/20.