When the topic relates to India, it certainly brings out the nationalistic side among majority of Indian members as they cannot see things from a Non-Indian Lens. Some times i believe they handicap themselves by hyping themselves up to an alarming level.
Frankly, this point applies to almost all folks in this forum. This is the summary that I could gather:
Indian point of view:
a) At a minimum, it does not matter if the bombs hit the buildings or not, the mere fact that IAF jets crossed the border and landed munitions in Pak land (not Pak part of kashmir) is enough. Remember, India never did anything in the past despite grave provocations like parliament attacks; mumbai attacks etc. If there is a big provocation next time, the future administrations of India can not be seen as not doing anything. Majority of India (including myself) is happy with this. Anything more is bonus for us.
b) At a minimum, Abhinandan was shot down on Pak territory. Hey, he is shot on enemy territory, not on Indian airspace. He has the guts to get onto Pak's territory.
c) No one in India believes that India lost an SU-30 on Feb-27. It may be difficult for Pakistanis & others to believe, but media in India is very very anti-Modi; very anti-nationalist; and liberal (ultra liberal in the extreme). If there is an SU-30 shot-down, media would have had a field day.
d) Pakistan has a habit of lying (kargil is not done by pak forces etc etc) and later changing their stand. Hence, everything Pak says can not be trusted / truth.
e) Status quo perfectly suits us. Many Indians are not looking at crushing / defeating Pak (Pakistanis may find it difficult to believe). Many Indians just do not want to do anything with Pak, and we just want to concentrate on our economy. At a minimum, Pak leadership got a message, and we are happy for that. Hopefully, Pak leadership does not do any more adventures in future.
f) My point of view - **assume** if IAF came out inefficient and PAF adverised it, the current leadership (Ajit Doval etc) will not sit and watch. IAF will be training like life and death now, and be ready when (if) needed. However, I hope India purchase more Rafales
g) My point of view - the biggest problem in India now is economy. Skirmishes with Pak do not matter (even if we loose an aircraft or two) as long as there is no lasting damage or change at strategic level.
h)
i)
j) on and on.....
From Pak point of view:
a) Pak gave tit-for-tat. Pak shot down an aircraft of an airforce which is "n" times bigger.
b) The bombs missed the targets. Indian Airforce is inefficient. Pak air-force is efficient and proven once more (in your opinion). So, size of Indian air force does not matter.
c) Pak airforce is better trained/capable in tactics; EW etc and is proven, and can take care of Indian air force any day.
d) No F-16 is shot. Abhinandan is a prize...
e) Indians are delusional; liars; monkeys; egotists etc...they never learn. So, their airforce will forever remain inefficient etc...Pak forces train hard, and can surprise / out-perform IAF on any given day......PAF humuliated IAF, and the world is laughing at India....Indians have no shame etc......
f)
h) on and on.....
It is a just a matter of priority & perspective.......Indians are happy to have entered your airspace (not Pak part of Kashmir), you are happy to have shot-down aircraft, and proven (in your opinion) much much efficient etc......
PS: There is only one winner in skirmishes / conflicts between India and Pak.....and the winner is China.