Operation Sindoor: India-Pakistan Conflict Updates (May 10–11, 2025)

Author: Lynn Frederick Dsouza

Email: lynn.dsouza@espiridi.com

Background Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, 2025, following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22 that killed 26 people. The operation targeted multiple terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), escalating into several days of intense military conflict between India and Pakistan124.

Key Developments (May 10–11, 2025)

Ceasefire and High-Level Meetings

• On May 10, India and Pakistan agreed to a conditional ceasefire after four days of hostilities. However, violations occurred soon after, with drone sightings and explosions reported in Jammu and Kashmir124.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting on May 11 with top defense and security officials to assess the situation and India's response14.

Military Operations and Strikes

• India conducted precision strikes against nine terror posts in Pakistan and PoK, using both air and missile capabilities12.

• On May 11, Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets targeted key Pakistani airbases-Rafiqui, Murid, and Chaklala (Nur Khan)-to cripple Pakistan’s aerial and drone attack capabilities. These bases were believed to be central to Pakistan’s recent cross-border operations4.

• Indian forces also struck army positions in Sialkot and Narowal, and reportedly hit three major Pakistani military air bases, including the strategic Nur Khan base in Rawalpindi34.

• Pakistan attempted multiple air intrusions along the Line of Control (LoC) using drones and heavy artillery, targeting both civilian and military infrastructure in India. The Indian Army responded with proportionate force, causing extensive damage to Pakistani positions4.

Air Defense and Drone Warfare

• India’s air defense systems successfully intercepted and shot down over 50 swarm drones launched by Pakistan5.

• In retaliatory action, India reportedly shot down at least two Pakistani fighter jets, including one in the Pathankot sector, although official confirmation was awaited as of the latest reports5.

Casualties and Security Measures

• Two Indian armed forces personnel were killed in the past 24 hours due to intensified shelling and drone attacks by Pakistani forces across Jammu4.

• The border regions, particularly in Jammu, remain on high alert due to ongoing infiltration attempts by Pakistan-based terror groups14.

Disinformation and Fact-Checking

• Several viral videos and social media posts claiming attacks on Indian infrastructure (such as Delhi Airport and Bathinda Airfield) were debunked by official sources as fake news4.

• Indian authorities emphasized that only identified military targets were attacked, and civilian infrastructure was not deliberately targeted4.

Official Statements

• The Indian Air Force declared that it had "successfully executed its assigned tasks" in Operation Sindoor, with operations ongoing and a detailed briefing promised later2.

• Indian officials reiterated a commitment to non-escalation, provided Pakistan reciprocates, and warned that any future terror acts would be treated as acts of war4.

Time-stamped situational report (SitRep) on the ceasefire violation by Pakistan on May 10, 2025

Current Status (as of May 11, 2025, 3:09 PM IST)

• Operation Sindoor is ongoing, with Indian forces maintaining a strong defensive and retaliatory posture12.

• The ceasefire remains fragile, with sporadic violations and continued high alert along the border.

• Senior Indian leadership is closely monitoring the situation, and further updates are expected as operations continue124.

"Operation Sindoor is not just a military action-it is a symbol of India's political, social, and strategic willpower. This operation reflects India's firm resolve against terrorism, and showcases the capability and determination of its military power." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Note: The situation is fluid, and official briefings are expected to provide more details in the coming days.

India–Pakistan Ceasefire Violation and Escalation: Key Takeaways (May 10–11, 2025)

Ceasefire Violation and Military Escalation

• A ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan was reached on May 10 after intense diplomatic and US-mediated efforts, with both sides agreeing to halt all military actions from 5:00 pm IST153.

• Within hours, Pakistan violated the ceasefire, launching cross-border firing and drone incursions across Jammu and Kashmir, including the Akhnoor sector and RS Pura, as well as drone sightings in Srinagar and Udhampur34.

• India responded with a proportionate and firm military response, targeting Pakistani military infrastructure and maintaining strict vigilance along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border23.

• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar both stressed India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and held Pakistan fully accountable for renewed hostilities, vowing strong retaliation for further violations31.

Martyrdom and Security Impact

• BSF Sub-Inspector Mohammed Imteyaz was killed in action on May 10 during Pakistani cross-border firing in the RS Pura sector of Jammu, with seven other personnel injured4.

• Earlier, Indian Army Subedar Major Pawan Kumar was also killed in Pakistani shelling in Poonch4.

• Punjab and other border regions were placed on high alert following these escalations3.

Regional and Global Dynamics

• The United Nations, UK, EU, and Saudi Arabia welcomed the ceasefire and urged both countries to maintain calm and build on the progress6.

• China called for restraint and emphasized the importance of peace in the region, while also condemning the Pahalgam terror attack that triggered the conflict7.

• Despite US mediation leading to the ceasefire, skepticism remains about the durability of peace, with underlying issues such as Kashmir unresolved and trust deficits persisting due to repeated Pakistani breaches56.

Disinformation and Media Landscape

• The surge in misinformation and fabricated combat footage was noted, with the Indian Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and PIB actively debunking false narratives to maintain public morale and counter psychological operations3.

Main Reasons Behind Pakistan's Repeated Ceasefire Violations

1. Retaliation to Indian Military Actions

• Pakistan often frames its ceasefire violations as retaliatory measures against Indian strikes. Recent escalations were triggered by India's airstrikes on terror camps and military infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which Pakistan labeled as "unprovoked" and responded to with cross-border artillery and drone attacks156.

2. Kashmir Dispute and Territorial Claims

• The Kashmir region remains the core issue fueling hostilities. Both countries claim the territory in full but govern only parts, making it a persistent flashpoint. Ceasefire violations are frequently linked to attempts by either side to assert control or respond to perceived provocations in this contested area124.

3. Domestic and Political Pressures

• Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have publicly vowed to respond "with full force and might" to any Indian actions perceived as threats to sovereignty or territorial integrity. Such rhetoric is often driven by domestic political needs to project strength and deter internal criticism26.

4. Military Signaling and Deterrence

• Ceasefire violations serve as a means for Pakistan to signal military readiness and deter further Indian actions. Convening high-level military meetings and conducting missile tests during crises are intended to remind both domestic and international audiences of Pakistan's capabilities, including its nuclear arsenal4.

5. Fragility of Ceasefire Agreements

• The ceasefire arrangements are inherently fragile, often lacking robust monitoring mechanisms or guarantees. Experts note that hurried or externally mediated agreements, such as the recent US-brokered truce, may not address underlying mistrust or provide sufficient incentives for sustained peace, leading to quick breakdowns46.

6. Accusations and Counter-Accusations

• Both sides routinely accuse each other of initiating violations, creating a cycle of blame that perpetuates instability. Pakistan claims its actions are in response to Indian breaches or provocations, while India asserts that Pakistan is the primary violator256.

7. Broader Geopolitical Dynamics

• Regional and international factors, including shifting alliances and external mediation (notably by the US, UK, and Saudi Arabia), influence the behavior of both militaries. However, the effectiveness of such mediation is limited if core disputes remain unresolved45.

Pakistan's repeated ceasefire violations are driven by a combination of retaliation to Indian military actions, the unresolved Kashmir dispute, domestic political imperatives, military signaling, the inherent fragility of ceasefire deals, cycles of mutual accusation, and complex regional geopolitics. These factors collectively undermine the sustainability of peace along the Line of Control12456.

Influence of International Mediators on India–Pakistan Ceasefire Agreements

Direct Mediation Claims vs. Reality

• Recent ceasefire agreements, including the May 2025 truce, have seen claims of international mediation, particularly from the United States. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly stated that the US facilitated the latest ceasefire, with Pakistan expressing gratitude for American involvement23.

• However, Indian officials have consistently emphasized that the agreement was reached bilaterally through direct military communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries, explicitly denying any third-party mediation17.

Historical Context and Patterns

• While India maintains a firm stance that all issues with Pakistan must be resolved bilaterally, there have been instances in the past where international mediation, especially by the US, played a crucial role. For example, President Bill Clinton's intervention was key in ending the 1999 Kargil conflict6.

• Pakistan, on the other hand, has historically welcomed international mediation, seeing it as a way to apply pressure on India regarding the Kashmir issue3.

Mechanisms of Influence

• International mediators, especially the US, can exert indirect pressure.

• Mediation can help reactivate military hotlines and communication channels, as seen in the current ceasefire, which included provisions for DGMOs to reconvene and maintain dialogue2.

Limits and Challenges

• Despite external involvement, the sustainability of ceasefire agreements largely depends on the political will and trust between India and Pakistan. Ceasefire violations often resume shortly after agreements, reflecting deep-rooted mistrust and unresolved disputes34.

• India's resistance to outside mediation means that even when international actors facilitate agreements, their role is downplayed or denied, limiting the transparency and effectiveness of such interventions17.

• The decline of international norms and the weakening influence of traditional mediators like the US have made durable peace harder to achieve, with regional actors like China viewed as biased and others lacking sufficient leverage6.

International mediators, especially the US, can help facilitate dialogue and urge restraint during India–Pakistan crises, but their influence is often limited by India’s insistence on bilateralism and deep-seated mistrust. While mediation can help achieve temporary de-escalation, the durability of ceasefires ultimately depends on the two countries’ political will and ability to address core disputes1236.

Strategic and Geopolitical Context

• India’s Stand: India remains resolute on zero tolerance for terrorism and will respond firmly to any aggression or ceasefire violations13.

• Pakistan’s Position: Accused by India of repeated ceasefire breaches and targeting civilian as well as military sites3.

• International Response: The US played a key mediation role, but its long-term influence is seen as limited; China’s support for Pakistan complicates the regional balance57.

• Information Warfare: Both sides face a surge in disinformation, with Indian authorities actively countering fake news to prevent escalation and panic3.

The ceasefire between India and Pakistan, brokered with US mediation, was swiftly violated by Pakistan, leading to renewed military and diplomatic escalation. India’s leadership has reiterated a firm stance on terrorism and responded with proportionate force. The situation remains tense, with international actors urging restraint and vigilance, while the underlying issues remain unresolved and the risk of further escalation persists13567.

For more information please contact: Lynn Frederick Dsouza, Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: National Aviation Council, Email: lynn.dsouza@espiridi.com or visit wicci.in