Following a tense period of escalating conflict, India has issued a strong warning to Pakistan regarding ceasefire violations. This comes after a ceasefire agreement, brokered with U.S. involvement, was reached between the two nations in an attempt to de-escalate the most serious military confrontation in decades. However, the agreement was short-lived, with both sides accusing each other of violations within hours of its announcement.
The ceasefire, which aimed to halt all military actions on land, air, and sea, was agreed upon after a series of cross-border strikes and escalating tensions. The immediate trigger for the recent escalation was India's launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, which itself was a response to a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that resulted in the deaths of 26 people. India has blamed Pakistan-based armed groups for the Pahalgam attack, a charge Islamabad denies.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, reports of gunfire and drone sightings emerged from the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir shortly after the agreed-upon cessation of hostilities. India accused Pakistan of initiating these violations, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stating that Indian forces had been directed to respond firmly to any further breaches along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border. "An understanding was reached this evening between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan to halt the ongoing military action. However, in the last few hours, Pakistan has violated this understanding," Misri stated. He confirmed that Indian forces were already retaliating against the latest cross-border attack, which he called "extremely condemnable".
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, in turn, blamed Indian forces for initiating the ceasefire violation, asserting its commitment to the agreement and stating that its forces were handling the situation with responsibility and restraint. "We believe that any issues in the smooth implementation of the ceasefire should be addressed through communication at appropriate levels," the ministry said.
In light of these violations, India has adopted a firm stance. Lt General Rajiv Ghai, DGMO, conveyed a "hotline" message to his Pakistani counterpart, emphasizing India's "firm and clear intent to respond to these fiercely if repeated tonight, subsequently or later". The Chief of Army Staff has granted full authority to army commanders for counteractions in the kinetic domain in case of any violation by Pakistan. Air Marshal A.K. Bharti reported that the Indian Air Force successfully foiled attempts by the Pakistan Air Force to target Indian installations. Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod highlighted the Indian Navy's readiness and coordinated approach with the Army and Air Force, emphasizing a measured, proportionate, and non-escalatory response.
The Indian military also provided details on Operation Sindoor, stating that over 100 terrorists were killed in strikes on nine terror targets. These targets included individuals allegedly involved in the Pulwama attack and the hijacking of IC-814. The strikes also resulted in the deaths of 35-40 Pakistani soldiers at the Line of Control.
While an uneasy calm has settled over the border region, the situation remains tense. The international community, including the United Nations, has welcomed the ceasefire, but concerns persist about its durability. The U.S. President stated his intention to increase trade with both countries. Residents of border towns, who had fled their homes due to the intense fighting, have begun to return, though some remain wary.
