Just hours after India and Pakistan announced a US-mediated ceasefire to halt escalating military hostilities, Pakistan violated the agreement with unprovoked shelling and air raids in multiple border regions, including Barmer in Rajasthan and Baramulla, Rajouri, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir, according to Indian officials. The breach has reignited fears of a broader conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors, undermining the fragile truce.
The ceasefire, effective from 5:00 PM IST on May 10, 2025, was confirmed by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, following a call between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations. The agreement aimed to stop all military actions on land, air, and sea, with further talks scheduled for May 12. US President Donald Trump claimed credit for brokering the deal, though Indian sources emphasized it was a bilateral understanding.
However, reports of Pakistani artillery fire and drone activity emerged soon after. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted a video on X, showing explosions in Srinagar, stating, “This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up.” Indian air defense systems shot down drones in Pokhran, Rajasthan, and Rajouri, while heavy shelling was reported in the Palanwalla sector.
The Indian Army responded “promptly and proportionately,” with the Border Security Force ordered to retaliate with full force, defense sources said. No casualties have been reported so far, but civilian infrastructure in border villages has been damaged.
The violations follow a pattern of Pakistani aggression since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians and prompted India to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and launch Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. Since April 24, Pakistan has repeatedly violated the 2021 ceasefire agreement, with firing reported across multiple sectors of the Line of Control (LoC).
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s “firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism,” stating that measures like the Indus Waters Treaty suspension and visa bans on Pakistani nationals remain in place. Government sources clarified that the ceasefire does not alter India’s punitive actions against Pakistan’s support for terrorism.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor welcomed the ceasefire but cautioned, “India wanted to teach terrorists a lesson, and that lesson has been taught. Peace is essential, but we must remain vigilant.” AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi urged the government to pursue the Pahalgam attack’s perpetrators, warning, “As long as Pakistan uses its territory for terrorism, there can be no permanent peace.”
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has not officially commented on the violations, but former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif described Pakistan as “peace-loving” yet capable of self-defense, congratulating the military and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
International reactions have been cautious. The UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the ceasefire “hugely welcome,” while Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus expressed support for diplomatic resolutions. China reaffirmed its backing of Pakistan’s sovereignty, raising concerns about regional alignments.
The Indian government has lifted some restrictive orders in border districts like Barnala and Hoshiarpur but maintained a ban on civilian drone flights. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with service chiefs to assess the situation, signaling heightened preparedness.
Analysts warn that Pakistan’s swift violation—reminiscent of past breaches after the 2003 and 2021 understandings—indicates aggressive intent, possibly to cover terrorist infiltrations or provoke India. “These actions suggest Pakistan is testing India’s resolve while maintaining plausible deniability,” said Major General (Retd) Harsha Kakkar.
As tensions simmer, the international community urges restraint, but the repeated ceasefire violations threaten to unravel the delicate truce, keeping the region on edge.
