Tensions Flare Despite Ceasefire Between India and Pakistan; Diplomatic and Military Reactions Emerge
Just hours after India and Pakistan announced a mutual ceasefire agreement, tensions resurfaced on Saturday, May 10, as India accused Pakistan of violating the freshly brokered truce.
The agreement, which came into effect at 5:00 PM IST following high-level talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations, was aimed at halting all forms of military engagement across land, air, and sea.
However, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reported that Pakistan breached the ceasefire shortly after it was enacted.
According to Misri, Pakistani forces fired across the Line of Control (LOC) in the Akhnoor sector and allegedly deployed drones near the international border.
He condemned the actions as “extremely deplorable” and confirmed that Indian security forces had been instructed to respond firmly to any further provocations.
Amid these developments, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level emergency meeting at his official residence late Saturday.
The gathering marked the first such assembly since hostilities between the two countries ceased the previous evening.
Attendees included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence.
Simultaneously, in Islamabad, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the nation in a late-night speech. He welcomed the ceasefire initiative and extended his gratitude to the United States, China, and Saudi Arabia for their diplomatic support during the standoff.
Sharif also underscored the need to resolve long-standing issues between the two nations, including the contentious matters of water-sharing under the Indus Waters Treaty and the disputed region of Jammu & Kashmir, through peaceful negotiations.
He praised Pakistan’s political leadership, including both coalition allies and opposition figures, for showing unity and resolve during the four-day crisis.
While sporadic cross-border activity was reported initially, Indian Army sources later informed CNBC-TV18 that shelling and drone flights from the Pakistani side had come to a halt, at least temporarily.
In the political sphere, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India asserted that the ceasefire represented a significant shift in India’s defence posture.
Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari declared in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that Pakistan had “pleaded for an understanding” after sustaining what he described as “catastrophic losses.”
He credited Prime Minister Modi’s decisive leadership for “rewriting the rules of engagement with Pakistan within just 72 hours.”
Across the border, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif acknowledged that while the ceasefire was a step forward, major bilateral issues remain unresolved.
Speaking to the media, Asif highlighted the Indus Waters Treaty, terrorism, and the Kashmir dispute as core issues that must be addressed in any future dialogue with India.
He stressed that while the ceasefire could serve as a starting point for peace, it was still too early to make any definitive predictions.
Meanwhile, Venu Rajamony, former Indian Ambassador, stressed the need for the ceasefire to hold firm before any substantive dialogue can begin. “Our immediate priority must be ensuring that this truce endures,” he said. “We’ve already seen violations overnight.
Such provocations must cease completely, as they cause immense suffering to civilians living near the LOC.”
Rajamony also commented on the possibility of broader negotiations taking place, potentially through third-party mediation. While U.S. officials reportedly suggested a framework for broader dialogue, Indian officials have denied any formal agreement to begin comprehensive talks.
“Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made it clear yesterday that there is currently no agreement to engage on additional topics,” Rajamony said. “Still, we may see quiet diplomatic efforts or backchannel communications aiming to prepare the ground for future discussions on critical issues, including terrorism.”
Amidst these fast-developing events, misinformation has also emerged. The Indian Air Force officially dismissed as “baseless and fake” circulating claims in Pakistani media regarding the capture of a female Indian pilot during recent hostilities.
In Washington, former U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his commitment to strengthening economic ties with both India and Pakistan in the wake of the ceasefire.
He emphasised that increased trade could serve as a tool for regional stability and expressed a willingness to assist both nations in resolving historical disputes like Kashmir.
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of Defence postponed a scheduled media briefing that was initially set for 11 AM. No new time has been announced, according to government sources.
As the region awaits signs of sustained peace, the coming days will be critical in determining whether this ceasefire marks a turning point or merely a temporary pause in a long-standing and complex conflict.
