Following days of intense military confrontation, India and Pakistan have reached an understanding to halt military actions on land, air, and sea, effective from the evening of May 10, 2025. This agreement comes after India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 people.
Operation Sindoor: A Response to Terrorism
Operation Sindoor was initiated by India on May 7 with the aim of targeting terrorists. The operation involved strikes across nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets involved in the IC 814 hijacking and the Pulwama blast. Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army, stated that the strikes were a result of meticulous scanning of the terror landscape across the borders.
Air Marshal A.K. Bharti emphasized that Pakistan's support for terrorists compelled India to respond, holding Pakistan responsible for any resulting damage. The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the successful execution of its assigned tasks in Operation Sindoor with precision and professionalism.
Ceasefire and Violations
Despite the ceasefire agreement, cross-border firing from Pakistan was reported in several locations along the Jammu border shortly after the announcement. India accused Pakistan of ceasefire violations hours after the understanding was reached. However, the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) is now reported to be stable.
DGMO-Level Talks
Directors General from the three services addressed a press conference on Sunday regarding Operation Sindoor. DGMO talks between India and Pakistan were scheduled to take place on May 12. The Indian Foreign Secretary had announced that the Directors General of Military of both India and Pakistan would hold talks.
Aftermath and Reactions
The recent escalation in military exchanges between India and Pakistan has led to a high alert in western border states. Civilian flight operations have resumed at 32 airports that were temporarily shut down due to the military standoff. Security measures have been enhanced at airports, and passengers are advised to allocate additional time for security checks.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the family of a civilian killed in Pakistani shelling and assured them of support. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reached out to people affected by Pakistani shelling in the Poonch district and emphasized the need for setting up bunkers in the area.
Asim Munir's Role and International Pressure
The seeds for the conflict were allegedly sown by Pakistan army chief Asim Munir, who recently called Kashmir India's jugular vein. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a discussion with Pakistan's Army Chief Gen Asim Munir and offered U.S. assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts. Some reports suggest that US officials had already been in contact with both sides in anticipation of escalating tensions.
Analysis and Way Forward
While a ceasefire is in place, sources indicate that Operation Sindoor remains active, signifying a new reality that the world and Pakistan must acknowledge. The Indian Army has been granted full authority by the Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, for counteraction in case of any violation by Pakistan.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the longevity of the ceasefire and the future of India-Pakistan relations.
