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New Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Ceasefire with India is holding, we are fully committed to it: Pakistan Foreign Office
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan on Friday said that the ceasefire with India was holding and "we are fully committed to it." The Foreign Office spokesman, during the weekly briefing, said Pakistan is committed to make this ceasefire hold and de-escalation to succeed and then engagement to lead to stability and resolution of issues. Khan also said that the two militaries have a channel of communication through the Directors General of Military Operations, through which they are working for de-escalation, in terms of the movement of troops. He said Pakistan remains committed to the ceasefire announced on May 10 and lately, both sides have taken steps for de-escalation and return of stability. Khan claimed that it was "highly imprudent on the part of India to issue inflammatory statements." "At a time of heightened tensions in the region, it is highly imprudent to indulge in this kind of rhetoric, which is inflammatory and provocative. We have cautioned India on repeated occasions to desist from this," he said. To a question about the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, he said that Pakistan was sticking to its principled position that there is no provision in the Indus Waters Treaty which can allow for suspension or abrogation of the treaty unilaterally. He also said that Pakistan's position on the Indus Waters Treaty was very clear that "we will continue to work to ensure that Pakistan continues to receive the rightful share of its waters."
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor: How it has impacted brand Modi
Pratigyan Das is a senior journalist with The Times of India. She has an experience of more than 14 years in journalism. She has a nose for hard news, especially politics, education and issues that concern India and the world. An avid reader and observer, she also looks for the unconventional in the mundane to develop impactful stories. LESS ... MORE On May 10, India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire, following an agreement between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) from both sides. But before both sides informed their press, US President Donald Trump dropped the bombshell by sharing a tweet. 'I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter,' he posted on social media. Within a minute of Trump's tweet, the White House and Vice President JD Vance also shared Trump's post. They were joined by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who said, 'Over the past 48 hours, VP Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif', among others. Interestingly, the US secretary of state also claimed that India and Pakistan have agreed to start talks on a 'broad set of issues at a neutral site'. An hour later, India confirmed the ceasefire. Addressing the media, foreign secretary Vikram Misri stated that Pakistan had initiated the talks on Saturday evening (May 9) by dialling India and that the talks were held directly between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. The ministry of Information and Broadcasting followed it up with a series of tweets on its official handle: 'Stoppage of firing and military action between India and Pakistan was worked out directly between the two countries.' 'Pak DGMO initiated the call this afternoon after which discussions took place and understanding reached.' 'No decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place,' the tweets added. The ceasefire followed three days of confrontation between both the nations with the launch of Operation Sindoor by the Indian armed forces in the early hours of May 7 that targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians on April 22. In retaliation, Pakistan armed forces used heavy artillery, loiter munitions, as well as drones to attack parts of Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan, Indian air defence systems, and harass Indian civilians. India deemed this as an escalatory move and hit Pakistani military infrastructure such as communication centres and air defence radars in key air bases. Moments after the ceasefire was announced, politicians, experts and common man responded on expected lines. The response from politicians was guarded and cautious, indirectly questioning the role of US intervention in the ceasefire, hardliners and common man, on the other hand, were disappointed with the government's actions. Social media was flooded with messages, trolls and memes. It seemed the euphoric common man, buoyed by India's kinetic action against their arch-rivals, expected a decisive outcome (read getting back PoK) and felt India gave away the advantage to Pakistan by agreeing for a ceasefire. Online trollers went a step ahead and made personal attacks on Misri and his family, who announced the ceasefire on behalf of the government of India. Some experts also expressed their disappointment over the pause. Prominent among them was foreign affairs analyst Brahma Chellaney. 'Does this mean that Prime Minister Modi has decided not to take 'Operation Sindoor' to its logical conclusion by ending, once and for all, the Pakistani military generals' four-decade-long strategy of waging a 'war of a thousand cuts' against India through terrorist proxies? he posted on X. In a detailed post issued shortly later, he said, 'Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory has long been an Indian political tradition' and gave examples of India erring in similar fashion against both China and Pakistan over the decades. Chellaney said that India agreed to a ceasefire against Pakistan in 1948 when the Army was marching towards victory. Again, in 1972, at Shimla, India gave away its 1971 'war gains at the negotiating table without securing anything in return from Pakistan.' A few hours later, memes comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former PM Indira Gandhi did the rounds on social media. 'Modi is not Indira' debate dominated digital platforms. Supporters and critics of Narendra Modi waged another war by coming up with their arguments. Critics of Modi slammed the PM by making it loud and clear: Uncle Sam's intervention has dented Modi's image. Supporters of Modi whispered in private: US managed to arm twist India to agree for a ceasefire. A few questioned Modi's leadership. It has been observed that wars have significantly impacted the fate of political leaders. Post 1971 war between India and Pakistan, Indira Gandhi, the then PM of India, was hailed by the countrymen for her courageous decision. She was even compared with goddess Durga by opposition leader Atal Behari Vajpayee. Gandhi won the general election basking on the glory of victory over archrival Pakistan. The Big Q: Did 'Operation Sindoor' dent the image of brand Modi, who is branded as a decisive and bold leader by his party and supporters? The answer is a decisive NO. Here's why: Firstly, Operation Sindoor has revalidated Modi's image as a strong, bold and decisive leader, who means business and not scared to take that extra risk. He translated his words into action: not once but thrice. His 'ghar mein ghuske marenge' is the new norm, which he has successfully managed to convey to the world and Pakistan. Secondly, he has convincingly changed India's stance on terrorism. Modi has made it loud and clear that New Delhi will strike Pakistan's terrorist camps at will, if it dares (crossing LoC through surgical strikes in Uri in 2016, entering Pakistan to airstrikes at Balakot in 2019 and now attacking and destroying Pakistan's air bases through drones and missiles). Thirdly, by announcing that any terror attack against India will be considered as a full-fledged war, Modi has negated the nuclear blackmailing of Pakistan. Islamabad and its army will think twice before going out for any misadventure soon. Fourthly, by announcing that talks with Pakistan will now only be on terrorism and PoK, Modi has carved a new benchmark on terrorism issue with Islamabad and set up a new parameter in dealing with cross-border terrorism. Fifthly, by addressing the soldiers from the Adampur Air Force Base in Punjab that Pakistan's media claimed were destroyed by their forces just two days after the ceasefire, Modi not only nailed Pakistan's lies in front of the world but has also proved himself as a strategic leader. Finally, in a nutshell, it can be said that Modi has set a doctrine on India's security that his successors can't afford to ignore. But in politics, as they say, nothing is permanent. Only time will assess Modi's legacy. But as of now, brand Modi remains intact. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Ceasefire has no expiry date: Pakistani, Indian officials
ISLAMABAD: Officials from both Pakistan and India have confirmed that the recently agreed ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours carries no expiry date, dispelling rumours of an imminent end to the fragile truce. The clarification comes after widespread speculation that the ceasefire—brokered through backchannel diplomacy on May 10—was set to lapse on May 18 unless renewed. However, military and diplomatic sources from both sides stated that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) had agreed during their May 12 discussion to continue the break in hostilities indefinitely. 'There is no expiry date to the break in hostilities, as reaffirmed in the DGMOs interaction of May 12,' an Indian defence official told media. Lammy says UK, US working to ensure enduring Pakistan, India ceasefire, dialogue Pakistani diplomats echoed the sentiment, adding that both militaries are focused on ensuring the truce remains sustainable through regular contact and gradual de-escalation. The ceasefire follows the most serious escalation in over two decades, triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Indian air strikes. Pakistan responded with a strong but restrained military posture, earning international praise for its measured conduct. A Pakistani diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the goal is to 'turn this pause into a permanent peace,' noting that both sides had begun reducing troop presence near the border. DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said confidence-building measures are underway, and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to peace, while warning that any violations would be met with a 'targeted and proportionate' response.
India Gazette
11-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
India and Pakistan agree to ceasefire after military standoff: What we know so far
New Delhi and Islamabad have announced a truce and will have further discussions on May 12 to formalize the agreement Following the recent escalation between India and Pakistan, the two nuclear-armed nations announced a ceasefire on Saturday. Both sides have issued directives to enforce the truce, and the director-generals of the two countries are expected to hold further talks on May 12, according to New Delhi. India continues to maintain a heightened state of alert and operational readiness as ceasefire violations and cross-border tensions persist, the military said. The ceasefire came into effect at 5:00pm local time. Just three hours later, however, explosions were heard in Srinagar, Kashmir and other parts of India. "Over the last few hours, there have been repeated violations of the understanding arrived at earlier this evening between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan. This is a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today," India's foreign secretary stated at a late night briefing. "We call upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility." Minutes later, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the nation, thanking the military for what he called a "historic success" in their operation against India. As a "responsible nation," Pakistan has given a positive response to the ceasefire proposal, he said. Islamabad will pursue "the path of negotiations" to ease tensions with New Delhi, Sharif added, without mentioning the ceasefire violations reported by the Indian side. Shortly before New Delhi and Islamabad announced the truce, US President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social account that the two nations had agreed to immediately cease hostilities "after a long night of talks mediated by the United States." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the two nations were ready to "start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site." While New Delhi has not officially confirmed the US role in mediating the ceasefire, the Pakistani prime minister thanked Trump, among others, including the leaders of China, Saudi Arabia, and Trkiye, for their role in achieving the ceasefire. Military escalation The escalation between the two neighbors began on May 7, when India launched Operation Sindoor against non-military and non-civilian targets in Pakistan. New Delhi said it was targeting terrorist bases in the country in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in India's Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory in late April that killed 26 tourists. The Resistance Front, believed to be linked to the Pakistani-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility for the attack, but later denied it. Islamabad denied having any involvement. Indian investigators, however, claim to have identified the attackers' planners and communication hubs connected to Pakistan. New Delhi said on May 7 that it struck nine suspected terrorist-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. "Our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature," the Indian government stated, adding that it has shown "considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution." During the first phase of the operation, India claimed that it struck nine locations in Pakistan. Islamabad, however, claimed that 31 civilians were killed in the initial strike and called the operation an act of "unprovoked aggression," vowing to respond accordingly. Hours later, it launched attacks on various locations in Jammu and Kashmir, which New Delhi said resulted in at least 16 fatalities and dozens of injuries. India stated that on the night of May 8-9, Pakistan launched around 300 drone attacks across 36 locations in India. The targets included cities, military establishments, and religious places, indicating a deliberate attempt by the Pakistan Army to strike a wide range of locations. The drones used in the attacks were reportedly Turkish-made, officials added. India reportedly used the Russian-made S-400 mobile surface-to-air system to repel the attacks, according to government sources familiar with the situation. "S-400 was a part of the layered air defense of India," the sources said. "They were used to track aerial threats." India responded by targeting air defense radars and systems in various locations in Pakistan, according to the Indian Defense Ministry. The Indian attacks caused damage and wounded soldiers, Pakistani officials were cited as saying by AP. On May 9, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos (unbreakable wall), in what it said was retaliation for Indian strikes on its territory and the Pakistani-controlled part of Kashmir region, which has been claimed by both nations since 1947, when they gained independence from Britain. Islamabad said the operation aims to "protect Pakistan's sovereignty, security, and oppressed citizens," calling it a "befitting" response to Indian "aggression." The government claimed to have "successfully targeted key Indian military installations," destroyed a brigade headquarters at G Top, and hit a missile storage site in northern India. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan had no choice but to retaliate to the Indian attacks, but later signaled willingness to deescalate if India halts further strikes. India responded with "retaliatory" precision airstrikes on Pakistani air bases and radar sites. The military released time-stamped images of intact air bases and confirmed only limited damage to personnel and infrastructure at Udhampur, Bhuj, Pathankot, and Bathinda. Indian officials denied Islamabad's claims of critical infrastructure damage, calling them "lies, misinformation, and propaganda." The military released time-stamped images of intact air bases and confirmed only limited damage to personnel and infrastructure at Udhampur, Bhuj, Pathankot, and Bathinda. India also denied claims that its S-400 systems and BrahMos base were hit. India also denied claims that its S-400 systems and BrahMos base were hit. The Indian Army later stated that it destroyed several terrorist launchpads near the Line of Control in response to the Pakistani strikes, calling them "hubs for planning and executing terror attacks against Indian civilians and security forces." Diplomatic standoff Following the April 2 Pahalgam attack, the two countries took sweeping measures to further downgrade diplomatic and trade ties. India-Pakistan relations have been strained for decades over Kashmir. The two nuclear-armed neighbors have fought four wars and have had repeated border skirmishes. Relations have been nearly frozen since 2019, after the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government abrogated Article 370 of the constitution, which granted a certain level of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. Reacting to the April 22 massacre, New Delhi reduced the staff at the Pakistani High Commission, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and closed its land border. It also suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals and advised Indian citizens in Pakistan to promptly return home. Also, for the first time in six decades, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, which allows the two countries to share the waters of the Indus River system. New Delhi said the measures would remain in effect "until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism." Islamabad has denied it had any involvement in the Kashmir attack. It issued a reciprocal response to India's measures on Thursday, suspending key bilateral agreements and cross-border routes, closing its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated airlines. India later responded with the same measures. Islamabad was especially outraged over India's unilateral suspension of the water treaty, warning that if India follows through on its threat to block the rivers, it would take this as " an act of war." Neither Islamabad nor New Delhi has issued an official statement on the status of the agreement following the announcement of the ceasefire. Sources in the Indian government on Saturday noted that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty remains intact. India will not share any hydrological information with Pakistan and will proceed with water infrastructure projects on the three northern rivers, the sources added.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Operation Sindoor is not over, world and Pakistan has to accept this'
NEW DELHI: Operation Sindoor is far from over, top government sources have said, asserting that India is now operating under a 'new normal' that both the world and Pakistan must accept. 'If they fire, we will fire. If they attack, we will attack,' said a source familiar with the developments, reported ANI. According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a clear directive following attacks on Indian air bases, 'Wahan se goli chalegi, yahan se gola chalega' — a shift that marked a turning point in India's military posture. Operation Sindoor Amid flare-up hours after thaw, officials say things will settle down with time Ceasefire on, but pressure stays: Key decisions by India against Pak that still stand 'Will work with India & Pakistan to seek solution on Kashmir': Trump The offensive under Operation Sindoor was designed with three clear objectives: military, political, and psychological. On the military front, India has 'reduced to dust' terror launchpads in Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad, as reported by ANI. 'PM Modi said 'mitti me mila denge' and we did just that,' a source said, as quoted by ANI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Politically, the Indus Waters Treaty , long considered a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, has now been linked to terrorism. 'It will remain in abeyance until cross-border terror stops,' a source reportedly said. Psychologically, India has delivered a blow 'deep inside their heart.' 'We hit them where it hurts. This is a new message: 'ghus ke maarenge',' the source added. The confrontation intensified after Pakistan launched attacks on 26 sites the same night, PM Modi reportedly warned US Vice President JD Vance that any provocation from Islamabad would be met with a devastating response. India retaliated with strikes on Pakistani air bases. Crucially, there have been no diplomatic talks between the two countries' NSAs or foreign ministers. Communication has been limited to military-to-military contact through the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs). 'Pakistan is not in this league anymore. They lost in every round. Our strikes made it clear — no one is safe. This is the new normal,' the sources said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
