India-Pakistan Ceasefire Tested Within Hours as Drone Violations Raise Tensions, New Delhi – Less than 24 hours after India and Pakistan formally agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire across all domains—land, air, and sea—violations by Pakistani drones have reignited tensions, casting doubt on the durability of the fragile truce.
The ceasefire, which came into effect on the evening of May 10 following four days of intense military exchanges, was brokered under international pressure, particularly from the United States. However, the appearance of Pakistani drones over key areas in Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, as well as sectors in Gujarat, has prompted India to accuse Islamabad of breaching the newly established terms.
Precision Strikes Mark Pre-Ceasefire Escalation
The sequence of events leading to the ceasefire began with a dramatic escalation early on May 10. At dawn, Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets launched BrahMos-A (air-launched) cruise missiles targeting high-value Pakistani military infrastructure. Strategic air bases at Chaklala near Rawalpindi and Sargodha in Pakistan’s Punjab province were among the first confirmed targets. These installations are considered vital for Pakistan’s air defense and logistical operations.
Later in the day, intelligence sources confirmed that additional strikes had occurred at Jacobabad, Bholari, and Skardu—locations that include facilities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian operation appeared calibrated to degrade Pakistan’s air power while remaining short of hitting nuclear command assets.
Nuclear Jitters and Diplomatic Urgency
The intensity of the strikes and the precision targeting reportedly triggered alarm within Pakistan’s military command. Communications intercepted by Indian intelligence indicated concern within Islamabad that India might escalate further to target Pakistan’s strategic nuclear infrastructure, particularly in and around Rawalpindi.
Faced with this prospect, Pakistan urgently reached out to the United States. According to Indian government sources, Washington had already been monitoring the situation closely amid fears that any miscalculation could spiral into a broader regional conflict. The fear of potential targeting of nuclear assets prompted the U.S. to act decisively.
Diplomatic channels, including high-level calls between military and national security officials, led to direct pressure on Islamabad. Sources suggest that the U.S. insisted Pakistan activate the military hotline with India and avoid further escalation.
Ceasefire Agreement and DGMO Contact
Following this intervention, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Major General Kashif Abdullah, initiated a formal call with his Indian counterpart, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, at approximately 3:35 p.m. IST. This marked the first direct military communication between the two sides since the start of the recent hostilities.
Soon after the call, both countries issued internal orders to cease military actions across all fronts effective that evening. The ceasefire agreement, while not made public in full, reportedly covers airspace violations, drone activity, and naval posturing in addition to conventional ground operations along the Line of Control (LoC).
Post-Ceasefire Drone Incursions
Despite the ceasefire, India reported that several Pakistani drones entered its airspace during the night and early morning hours of May 11. Indian Air Defense units intercepted multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in and around Srinagar and also in parts of Gujarat. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that “all intrusions were neutralized,” and an “appropriate and adequate response” was underway.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a press briefing, stated:
“India takes very, very serious notice of these violations. The integrity of our borders is non-negotiable, and any further provocations will be met with decisive action.”
India’s Firm Strategic Posture
Sources within India’s security establishment indicated that while New Delhi agreed to the ceasefire, it is not engaging in any formal diplomatic talks with Pakistan beyond standard military communication protocols. India continues to view the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam—widely attributed to Pakistan-based groups—as the root cause of the current confrontation.
In a notable move, India reaffirmed that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)—announced after the Pahalgam attack—would remain in place. The treaty, a long-standing water-sharing agreement, had previously survived multiple military crises between the two countries but was put on hold in what India called a “policy recalibration.”
Global Concern, Cautious Optimism
International observers remain cautiously optimistic about the de-escalation but acknowledge the potential for renewed conflict if ceasefire violations continue. The drone incidents have raised questions about Pakistan’s control over its military assets and whether rogue elements are seeking to undermine the truce.
For now, both sides appear to be recalibrating. While India remains on high alert and has reportedly prepared follow-up strikes targeting energy and command infrastructure in the event of further provocations, diplomatic efforts behind the scenes continue.
With strategic red lines tested and nuclear fears looming, the coming days will likely determine whether South Asia steps back from the brink—or slides into a deeper crisis.
No Itinerary? No Problem. Here’s How to Travel Like a Pro | Maya
