‘Ceasefire On, But…’: Indian Military Issues Caution After Peace Deal With Pakistan

‘Ceasefire On, But…’: Following sustained diplomatic initiatives, India and Pakistan have announced a full and immediate ceasefire, signalling a dramatic development in the context of the two nuclear-armed neighbours' escalating conflict.

The ceasefire was announced just hours after military exchanges between India and Pakistan had led to something close to a wider confrontation, as they shelled each other's installations across the Line of Control.

Also Read: Ceasefire with Pakistan Won’t Alter India’s Anti-Terror Stance: Jaishankar

However, the Indian military stressed that while it would observe the ceasefire, India was still on a high state of operational readiness.

“Whilst we will be adhering to the understanding that has been reached today, that is the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. We remain fully prepared and never vigilant and committed to defending the sovereignty and integrity of the motherland,” Commodore Raghu R Nair stated.

“Every misadventure by Pakistan has been met with strength and every future escalation will invite a decisive response. We remain fully operationally ready to launch whatever operations may be required in defence of the nation,” he added.

The announcement marks an important cessation of hostility, but not a solution to the general tensions that periodically occupy the two neighbours' bilateral relations. The military ceasefire will be followed by discussions around a number of issues, both strategic and humanitarian, in relation to the continuing conflict - most likely take place at a neutral location - so predict US State Department.

Also Read:Indian Military Maintains Vigilance Despite Ceasefire with Pakistan

Tensions between the two neighbours perked sharply following the Indian armed forces use of precision strikes against terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7.

The attacks were taken in revenge for the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam by terrorists linked to Pakistan on April 22, which had killed 26 civilians.

In retaliation, Pakistan initiated yet another wave of attacks from desert skies for the different nights on Friday, targeting 26 locations across India-from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat. The Ministry of Defence stated that these attempts to attack key installations, including airports and air bases, were thwarted by effective interception.

The attacks came after the Pakistan air operations that had targeted 36 locations inside India with 300 to 400 Turkish-made armed drones. Medical reports also allege that civilian airliners were allegedly used as covers to strike military targets. India retaliated by hitting air defence systems at four locations in Islamabad and succeeded in neutralising one.

Also Read: ‘Airspace Untenable’: What Losses Pakistan Military Suffered Before Ceasefire