Introduction
The deadly terrorist attack in Indian administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam
that killed 26 civilians. Following this catastrophic incident, India launched
various retaliatory steps, including drone and missile attacks on the military
installations of Pakistan. The US President Donald Trump has claimed that the
mediation initiated by the United States through the long night of talks has
led both countries, India and Pakistan, to agree upon an immediate and full
ceasefire on 10th May 2025. After agreeing on the ceasefire, Pakistan was
involved in the drone attacks on India in the region of Indian administered
Jammu and Kashmir. This article unfolds the acts and information on the
post-operation Sindoor along with the International diplomatic landscape and
strategic implications of both countries.
Fresh drone attacks by Pakistan after addressing the PM
Pakistan has carried out fresh Drone attacks after Prime Minister of
India, Narendra Modi’s address towards the nation on the operation Sindoor
event, following an agreement on ceasefire, with the estimation of around 10 to
12 drones that have been detected in the International border on the Samba
district in Jammu and Kashmir. India has responded with quick engagement by
alerting the anti-drone team to neutralise it. However, India has reported no
damage and continues the surveillance at night through radar-based and UAV
detection systems.
The decisive victory of India against Pakistan
The air strikes by the Indian Air Force
After the execution of Operation Sindoor on 7th May 2025, which
neutralised more than 100 terrorists with significant hits on key training
centers and launching pads, the Indian Air Force has administered the precision
strikes on 11 pertinent Pakistani airbases. It has deployed Mirage-2000, Rafale
jets and Su-30 MKI to destroy Noor Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Skardu Airbase
and Sargodha Airbase. It has destroyed the drone command center in Pakistan,
disrupted the military radar grid and also targeted the airborne early warning
system.
Why did this series of strikes become the turning point?
According to the Indian Army briefing, Pakistan has not responded to India’s military or diplomatic warning. After the series of deeply penetrating strikes, the deterrence narrative has come into play. The strategic planners of Pakistan have realised that India is interested in escalating the military without infringing on the nuclear gateway. The air defence system of Pakistan, which is equipped with Chinese radars and JF-17 interceptors, remains ineffective. In the time span of 36 hours, Pakistan conveyed the back-channel proposal to implement the ceasefire through third parties, including the United States (US) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Strategic and international implications
Foreign policy shift of the United States
Donald Trump’s move to mediate to eradicate the tension between India
and Pakistan has highlighted a renewed involvement of the United States in
Kashmir, which also commemorates an earlier claim of mediation in 2019 when
India had denied it completely. It also shows that the Trump Doctrine 2.0 has
come with a robust geopolitical activism as Trump seeks to counterbalance the
nuclear flashpoint at the time of his presidency.
International diplomatic landscape
The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) have welcomed the
ceasefire cautiously. Nevertheless, they did not endorse the third-party
mediation directly. China which is deemed to be the friend of Pakistan, prefers
to remain silent but closely monitors the development in which it has a
strategic interest, especially in the CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor)
and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Implications on the Indo-US relationship
The mediation talk by Donald Trump might strain the ties between India
and the United States, as it is perceived as breaking sovereignty. Although
India could tolerate this mediation and comments by President Trump, if
intelligence corporations, military aid, or sanctions on Pakistan-powered
terror groups accompany them.
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The strategic implications for India and Pakistan
India
India has demonstrated its capabilities for multi-theatre and deep air
strikes. It has also uplifted the conventional deterrence without considering
the nuclear escalation that has strengthened international and morale image.
Pakistan
Pakistan is exposed in a deterrent posture and air defence that
ultimately lost its diplomatic sympathy in the international context post-air
strike. It was forced into a ceasefire to prevent any kind of internal
destabilization.
Geo-political reaction
●The United States has praised India's “measured response” but has
warned of further escalation in the future.
●Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have reportedly warned
Pakistan to safeguard the terror proxies further.
●China has issued a caution to both India and Pakistan, but it rebuked
Pakistan for misusing the drones.
●The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) did not find a resolution
on the tension between India and Pakistan, but India has obtained tacit support
from the Western region.
Conclusion
The post-operation sindoor period has represented a significant test for India’s military, international, and diplomatic fitness. While Pakistan is involved in a multi-pronged approach to draw international sympathy and destabilise the regional image of India, India has maintained a fine line between diplomatic fitness and strong retaliation.