Aerial warfare analyst Tom Cooper criticized India’s military public relations (PR) strategy, asserting that Pakistan excels in this area. He recounted the difficulties faced by a German researcher attempting to attend the retirement ceremony of the MiG-21, a significant aircraft in the Indian Air Force’s history. Cooper noted that while this event was important for India’s aviation legacy, the IAF’s handling of international attendance lacked the proactive engagement seen in Pakistan, which would typically leverage such occasions for positive media exposure. He emphasized that India must enhance its PR efforts to counteract negative narratives, especially in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions and threats from Pakistan. This critique underscores the need for stronger diplomatic and communication strategies in shaping global perceptions of India’s defense capabilities.