According to the Pakistani Air Force, five Indian fighter jets were shot down, including three French-made Rafales. This would represent a symbolic blow to India’s military and a reputational hit for Dassault Aviation. The confrontation involved next-generation aircraft: Rafales, Tejas, and Su-30s on the Indian side; Chinese J-10Cs and F-17 Thunders on the Pakistani side.
India has yet to confirm these losses, but diplomatic tension is at its peak. With both countries being nuclear-armed, each move is more dangerous than ever.
A Terrorist Attack in Kashmir and a Hint of Manipulation
It began on April 22 with a deadly explosion in Pahalgam that killed 26 Indian civilians. India quickly blamed terrorist groups operating from Pakistan. However, the lack of tangible evidence and the absence of any credible claim of responsibility have given rise to a disturbing theory: was this a false flag operation designed to trigger a military escalation?
This scenario is not new. In 2019, the Pulwama bombing was used as a justification for an Indian airstrike. At the time, the official narrative was also challenged by multiple international observers.
Immediate Impact on Financial Markets
Markets reacted sharply to the escalation:
- Karachi Stock Exchange (Pakistan): dropped by 7 percent, causing a temporary suspension of trading
- BSE Sensex (India): rose by 106 points, showing surprising resilience
- Nifty 50: passed the 24,200 mark, reflecting continued investor confidence
- Dassault Aviation: fell by 3.31 percent, though still up 66.7 percent since the start of the year
- Chengdu Aircraft Corp. (J-10C manufacturer): surged by over 17 percent following reports that Rafales were shot down
Once again, defense stocks and military-related equities proved extremely sensitive to geopolitical tension.
Controlled War or Political Diversion
India is currently in an election cycle. Operation Sindoor may be serving to rally national sentiment and shift focus away from internal challenges such as inflation and the agricultural crisis.
Pakistan, facing severe economic instability, could benefit domestically from a limited conflict that unites public opinion.
However, the real winners are likely elsewhere:
- Defense industries
- Market speculators
- Arms-exporting nations
The Real Danger Lies in the Normalization of a Lie
If the April 22 bombing was indeed a staged event, then this entire conflict would not only be unnecessary but criminally orchestrated. Billions in military hardware, lives lost, and renewed nuclear tensions would be the cost of a war potentially built on fiction.
Further Reading: A Key Book on the History and Future of Turkic and Muslim Peoples
For readers interested in understanding the Turkic world from its origins to its current revival, consider the following recommended book:
The Origin and Renaissance of the Turks
By Fatih AK, published by Eurasia Focus
This work goes beyond traditional historical writing. It offers a vivid narrative tracing the evolution of Turkic peoples from the Central Asian steppes to major imperial capitals. The author explores their strategic, cultural, and spiritual significance in world history.
What distinguishes this book is its ability to connect the past with the present. It highlights the enduring pan-Turkic ideal that continues to shape modern projects such as those pursued by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The book rightly argues that world history cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the pivotal role played by Turkic civilizations.
By discussing the dream of Turan, the idea of a strengthened union among Turkic nations, the book provides valuable insights into the historical and geopolitical foundations behind Türkiye’s current leadership. Both accessible and well-researched, it is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the Turkic world’s ongoing transformation.
Sources:
- The Sun (UK)
- Report on the May 7 aerial clash involving 125 Indian and Pakistani jets, with Pakistan claiming to have shot down 5 aircraft, including 3 Rafale jets.
- Source: the-sun.com
- The Guardian (UK)
- Live coverage of Operation Sindoor and statements from both Indian and Pakistani officials.
- Source: theguardian.com
- India Today
- Report on the 7% crash of the Pakistan Stock Exchange following the military operation.
- Source: indiatoday.in
- The Economic Times (India)
- Data and updates on India’s Sensex and Nifty 50 stock market indices.
- Sources:
- Techi.com
- Analysis of Dassault Aviation’s stock decline by 3.31% following the incident.
- Source: techi.com
- Profit Pakistan Today
- Report on the 17% surge in Chengdu Aircraft Corporation’s stock price after the J-10C was credited with downing Indian jets.
- Source: profit.pakistantoday.com.pk
