Just hours after India and Pakistan agreed to halt all military action across land, air, and sea, Pakistan reportedly violated the ceasefire by deploying drones, prompting swift interception by Indian air defence systems. The breach occurred shortly after the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both countries reached an understanding Saturday afternoon, with the ceasefire set to take effect from 5:00 PM IST.
Eyewitnesses in Srinagar reported seeing red streaks in the sky and hearing loud explosions as Indian air defence units intercepted Pakistani drones. Blackouts were simultaneously enforced in strategic border regions, including Pathankot and Ferozepur in Punjab, and Jaisalmer and Barmer in Rajasthan, as precautionary measures.
The ceasefire agreement followed a call initiated by Pakistan’s DGMO to his Indian counterpart at 3:35 PM IST. Confirming the agreement, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated, “It was agreed that both sides would stop all firing and military action… Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on May 12 at 1200 hours.”
However, the reported drone activity casts a shadow over the newly brokered truce. At a joint press conference earlier in the day, Misri had already highlighted that Pakistan’s recent behaviour was “escalatory” and “provocative.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm stance, posting on X: “India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so.”
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. The operation targeted nine terror infrastructure sites deep within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan responded with a series of provocations, including drone incursions and artillery fire, despite the de-escalation efforts.
The latest violation puts renewed pressure on diplomatic efforts, with observers now questioning Pakistan’s sincerity in upholding the ceasefire.
