After months of claiming no military personnel were killed in Pakistan’s retaliatory action against unprovoked cross-border aggression in May 2025, India has officially confirmed six casualties, prompting the internet to bash the Indian defence minister.
As per the details, the government of India on June 26 formally released the names of six armed forces personnel who lost their lives during the clashes, including them in the Roll of Honour at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
This, however, did not sit well with Indian netizens and opposition parties alike, as they resorted to sharing old video clips of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the parliament and social media posts by the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) wherein they had claimed “no loss” on the Indian side.
The list, which named Subedar Major Pawan Kumar of Headquarters 10 Infantry Brigade, Rifleman Sunil Kumar, Vir Chakra, of 4 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry; Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar of 5 Field Regiment, Aviation Technician Mood Muralinaik of 851 Light Regiment, Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh of 237 Field Workshop Company and Sergeant Surendra Kumar, Vayu Medal, of 39 Wing, stood in sharp contrast to the narrative presented by Singh during a special parliamentary session on July 28, 2025.
Addressing the Lok Sabha during a heated debate, he had dismissed questions regarding casualties, stating: “If you have to ask a question, then ask this: did any of our brave soldiers suffer any loss in this operation? The answer to that is no.”
“The country will not forgive Narendra Modi,” the Indian National Congress posted on X as thousands of others flood social media with similar posts.
“Defense Minister Rajnath Singh lied under oath in parliament about the martyrdom of 6 Indian soldiers!!!!!! [sic]” wrote one user.
Another user questioned the presence of Rajnath Singh in the parliament after having lied on the assembly floor, “Shouldn’t [he] be expelled for lying?”
A netizen went on to say that lying in parliament was a betrayal to democratic values noting. “They can even lie about the death of martyrs for their pity politics. Everyone says that parliament is the temple of democracy and on the floor of parliament they lied about it [sic].”
Another user expressed distrust in the government, saying “I am pretty sure he’s still lying and fooling the country… 6 soldiers only died?”
A user also questioned the latest list released, pointing out that some names were still missing as the government of India keeps on lying.
“Under whose pressure did Rajnath Singh hide the villages of 6 soldiers in Operation Sindoor? Today, Rajnath Singh has also joined that list of those who will be called the lying Defense Minister in future history,” another user wrote.
