New Delhi: After four days filled with targeted missile strikes, drone operations, and artillery exchanges along the Control Line (LOC), India and Pakistan reached an agreement to cease all military activities by the evening of May 10th.
India stated that Pakistan was violating the ceasefire, claiming its troops responded “appropriately.” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri underscored during a press conference that India would take these violations seriously.
This sequence of events followed several military exchanges that began on Friday morning. But what really happened?
Here is the timeline:
- At dawn on May 10, Indian Air Force aircraft launched a Bluffmos A cruise missile aimed at critical Pakistani Air Force (PAF) bases. The first confirmed impacts occurred in Chakrara near Rawalpindi and Sargoda in Punjab, both of which hold significant strategic value for the Pakistani military. Additional strikes were confirmed later in the day at bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) like Jakobabad, Borari, and Skardu after damage assessments were completed.
- Following the strike, India’s intelligence detected a high alert message across Pakistan’s defense network, revealing concerns that India might target Pakistan’s nuclear infrastructure next. The Rawalpindi strategic installation increased its security measures in response.
- In reaction, Pakistan reached out to the US for urgent intervention. US authorities had already been in contact with both nations, anticipating rising tensions. However, the US became more actively involved due to heightened concerns over strategic assets.
- The US reportedly sent a clear message to Islamabad while maintaining a public stance of neutrality, urging Pakistan to de-escalate without delay through official military channels.
- By the afternoon of May 10, after India successfully countered some of Pakistan’s aggressive tactics, Major General Kashif Abdullah of Pakistan contacted his Indian counterpart, Lieutenant Colonel Rajiv Gai, at 1:35 PM, as confirmed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a press briefing.
- India maintained its position of not engaging in formal diplomatic discussions or military negotiations with Pakistan, other than following established protocols. New Delhi signaled its intent to prepare for possible further escalation despite international pressures.
- It has been confirmed by India that decisions made after the Pahargam terrorist attacks on April 22, including a temporary suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), remain in effect despite the ceasefire.
