Pakistan violates ceasefire agreement within hours, drone and shell attack in Jammu; India to give befitting reply

NEW DELHI: After facing a strong retaliation for provocations at the border, Pakistan, which pleaded for a ceasefire and secured mercy from India, showed its true colours within hours.

Although India accepted a temporary ceasefire by yesterday evening, by nightfall, Pakistani forces resumed drone and shell attacks along the borders in Jammu, Rajasthan, and Punjab. A Pakistani attack targeted a military base in Nagrota, Jammu. India strongly condemned the act and instructed its forces to respond with full force. A radical jihadi faction within the Pakistani army is believed to be behind this reckless move, which even threatens Pakistan’s own stability. “It is hoped that Pakistan will come to its senses and withdraw from such aggression,” said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. He added that Pakistan must act responsibly. A decision has not yet been made on whether Monday’s scheduled talks will be postponed.

Meanwhile, India has decided to continue the diplomatic measures it had taken, including halting the flow of the Indus river water to Pakistan. The ceasefire agreement also included a demand to release the BSF soldier held in Pakistani custody.

Realising that it cannot withstand India’s military response to the Pahalgam massacre and the subsequent destruction of terror camps, Pakistan requested a ceasefire yesterday. India agreed to the ceasefire with a firm warning: any further attack would be considered an act of war.

Pakistan’s recent actions—carrying out drone and shell attacks—succeeded only in terrorising unarmed villagers. Their retaliatory strikes made it clear that India’s defence and counterattack mechanisms are significantly stronger.

At 3:35 PM yesterday, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan called his Indian counterpart and requested a ceasefire. The ceasefire, covering land, air, and naval forces, came into effect from 5 PM, as announced by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a press conference. The two DGMOs are scheduled to speak again at 12 noon tomorrow. Mediation by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia also prompted Pakistan to step back.

Trump announced it first

• Before the Indian Ministry of External Affairs could announce the ceasefire in its 6 PM press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed the decision via his "Truth" social media channel. He claimed that the breakthrough came after long nighttime negotiations under American mediation. Following this, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also confirmed the ceasefire. Vikram Misri confirmed the same in the 6 PM press conference.
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with Vice President J.D. Vance, held discussions over two days with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisors Ajit Doval (India) and Asim Malik (Pakistan), and Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir.
• Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan also played a role in facilitating the ceasefire, holding discussions with S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

Will retaliate: Armed Forces

Should the ceasefire agreement be violated, the armed forces are prepared to go to any extent to protect the nation's sovereignty and integrity, said Navy Commodore Raghu R. Nair, a Malayali officer. He emphasised that the forces are ready to take any necessary action for national defence. Allegations from Pakistan claiming destruction of air bases in Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Bhuj, Naliya, and depots in Chandigarh and Beas were dismissed with evidence. Claims that Indian forces targeted mosques in Pakistan were also refuted. India respects all faiths and has only targeted terror bases in Pakistan—not a single religious centre was attacked, he said.