In a stern warning to Pakistan, the Indian Armed Forces on Sunday declared that any further violation of the ceasefire understanding reached between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) would invite a "fierce and punitive" response.
The announcement came during a high-level joint presignalingng by Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai (Army), Air Marshal AK Bharti (Air Force), and Vice Admiral AN Pramod (Navy) in New Delhi.
The military leadership confirmed that while Pakistan’s DGMO proposed a ceasefire on May 10 — with follow-up talks scheduled for May 12 — hostilities resumed within hours of the agreement. “We conveyed our serious concerns to Pakistan through a hotline message and made it clear that any further violations will be met with a fierce response,” said Lt Gen Ghai.
The Chief of Army Staff has reviewed the security situation and authorized field commanders to respond decisively to any cross-border intrusion, he added. “This intrusion is extremely condemnable. Pakistan is fully responsible, and must act immediately to de-escalate.”
Lt Gen Ghai detailed Operation Sindoor, launched in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists. The military identified and struck nine major terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists. High-value targets included Yusuf Azhar, a key figure in the IC-814 hijacking and the Pulwama attack.
“The enemy not only violated the Line of Control (LoC) but also deliberately targeted civilian and religious sites,” Ghai stated. He affirmed that Indian strikes focused solely on terror infrastructure and avoided civilian or military facilities.
When asked about reports of 21 identified terror camps, Ghai confirmed that "if the need arises, the remaining camps will also be targeted."
Air Marshal AK Bharti elaborated on the Indian Air Force's role, revealing precision airstrikes on terror hubs in Muridke and Bahawalpur, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed facilities. Imagery shown during the briefing included destroyed training centres and infrastructure. The strikes also targeted and damaged 11 Pakistani air bases, such as Nur Khan, Rafiqui, Sukkur, and Sialkot, degrading nearly 20% of Pakistan's air capabilities. Heavy casualties were reported at Bholari Air Base.
Bharti confirmed that Indian air defence systems, including the indigenous Akashteer Network, successfully intercepted mass drone raids between May 7–10, neutralizing hundreds of intruding UAVs and quadcopters without civilian damage.
The Air Marshal also indicated a doctrinal shift: “Strikes into Pakistan’s heartland — Lahore, Gujranwala, Rahim Yar Khan — demonstrate that no geography is off-limits when it comes to counterterrorism.” He noted that Rafale jets, SCALP cruise missiles, and HAMMER bombs were used with surgical precision.
Vice Admiral AN Pramod said the Indian Navy’s swift deployment in the Arabian Sea following the Pahalgam attack forced Pakistan into a defensive maritime posture. “Within 96 hours, we established total maritime awareness. Our synchronized naval presence was crucial in compelling Pakistan to propose a ceasefire,” he said.
While India did not disclose its own losses due to the evolving situation, senior military officials confirmed that 35–40 Pakistani soldiers were killed in cross-LoC exchanges. Intelligence inputs suggest more than 100 terrorists were neutralized under Operation Sindoor.
Responding to queries about Pakistani fighter jets, Air Marshal Bharti said Indian defences prevented incursions, adding, “We do have confirmation that high-tech enemy aircraft were hit.”
Lt Gen Ghai emphasized that the 2021 ceasefire understanding had held until the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which dramatically escalated the situation. “What we have seen in the past few days is nothing short of a war-like scenario,” he said. “Our fight is against terror — not the Pakistani military. But if provoked, we will use the full force of our capabilities.”
The armed forces concluded the briefing by reaffirming that India holds both technological and operational superiority, and is fully prepared for any eventuality. “Our response will be fierce, calibrated, and relentless if provocation continues,” said Air Marshal Bharti.
India’s strategic posture has clearly shifted, signaling that future terror attacks will not go unanswered — no matter where the threat originates.
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