New Delhi, May 11 — A strategic shift has emerged in India’s response to cross-border terrorism, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructing the armed forces to retaliate with heightened force against any provocation from Pakistan, government sources confirmed on Sunday.
Operation Sindoor Marks a Turning Point
Following the execution of Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister made it clear that any aggression from across the border must be met with a significantly stronger response. “Wahan se goli chalegi, toh yahan se gola chalega” (If bullets are fired from there, artillery shells will be fired from here), he was quoted as saying.Sources emphasized that Operation Sindoor has not concluded and signals a “new normal” in India's approach to dealing with terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The cost of cross-border terrorism will be raised substantially, they noted.
No Mediation on Kashmir, Indus Waters Treaty Under Review
The government has reiterated that India will not entertain any form of international mediation on the Kashmir issue. The only matter open for discussion is the return of illegally occupied territories by Pakistan, officials clarified.In a significant policy move, sources also confirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance as long as Pakistan-sponsored terrorism continues unabated.
Ceasefire Announcement and DGMOs Dialogue
On Saturday evening, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that India and Pakistan had reached an understanding to immediately cease all military actions across land, air, and sea domains. This agreement followed four intense days of cross-border drone and missile strikes.The ceasefire announcement was first made by US President Donald Trump, who claimed credit for mediating the agreement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that both governments had agreed to initiate talks on a broader range of issues at a neutral location.
However, Indian officials underscored that there is no room for broader negotiations. “Only talks with Pakistan will be through the Director General of Military Operations (DGMOs). There is no other issue to discuss,” they said.
It was revealed that the Pakistani DGMO had reached out to his Indian counterpart on May 10 to de-escalate tensions, indicating a reversal in the usual chain of communication.
Firm Response to Pahalgam Attack
India’s firm posture follows the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent airstrikes on terror infrastructure on May 7. Officials stated that every Pakistani action since then has been met with firm and proportionate force, underlining India’s zero-tolerance stance toward terrorism.This evolving strategy signals a firm departure from previous norms, positioning India as resolute and unyielding in the face of cross-border threats.
