Both Pakistan and India marked the anniversary of last year’s four-day aerial conflict with competing celebrations and renewed displays of military strength, as each side claimed victory in the confrontation.

In Pakistan, cities throughout the country were decorated with banners and posters praising military leaders credited by the government with defending the nation during the conflict. In Rawalpindi, the Pakistan Air Force hosted a ceremony highlighting what it described as successful operations against Indian aircraft.

Meanwhile, in Lahore, authorities organized a public concert at Liberty Chowk to commemorate what officials called the “Day of the Battle of Truth.”

Across the border, Indian leaders also used the anniversary to promote what they described as a decisive military success. Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his social media profile image to the logo of “Operation Sindoor,” India’s codename for its May 2025 military campaign against Pakistan.

“A year ago, our armed forces displayed unparalleled courage, precision and resolve,” Modi wrote online. “Today, we remain steadfast in our resolve to defeat terrorism and destroy its enabling ecosystem.”

At a lengthy press briefing in New Delhi, Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti said Indian forces had destroyed 13 Pakistani aircraft and struck 11 airfields during the conflict.

Pakistani military officials strongly disputed those claims. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who heads the military’s media wing, said Pakistan had successfully defended itself against a much larger adversary and had demonstrated only a fraction of its military capability.

“We are prepared,” Chaudhry said during remarks in Rawalpindi. “If anyone wants to test us, they are welcome to do so.”

The anniversary events highlighted the continuing rivalry between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with both governments using the conflict to reinforce nationalist narratives and showcase military readiness.