New Delhi: Even as India and Pakistan reached a fresh understanding to halt military hostilities on land, sea, and air, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a clear and uncompromising directive to India’s armed forces: any hostile action from Pakistan will be met with a stronger retaliation. The message is loud and clear—“if a bullet comes from there, a shell will go from here.”
According to senior government sources, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for a firmer stance in response to any provocation from across the border. This comes in the backdrop of the ongoing military operation, codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor,’ which Indian authorities confirm is not yet over.
The fresh ceasefire agreement was reportedly initiated on May 10, when Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted his Indian counterpart to de-escalate tensions that had spiraled after recent cross-border strikes. Notably, on May 7, India had launched targeted strikes on terrorist infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), following the deadly Pahalgam attack.
India’s Red Lines: No Mediation, No Compromise
Meanwhile, the government has categorically rejected any suggestion of international mediation in the Kashmir dispute, reiterating that the only unresolved issue is Pakistan’s illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
This assertion directly contradicts claims made earlier by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had said he facilitated a dialogue between India and Pakistan. India, however, has maintained its long-held policy of bilateral resolution without third-party interference.
“We do not need any mediation on Kashmir,” said a top government source. “The only discussion point is the return of territories illegally occupied by Pakistan. We are open to talks on terrorism, but not on our sovereignty.”
Terrorism and Water: No More Leeway for Pakistan
India has also hardened its stance on the Indus Waters Treaty, signaling that the treaty will remain suspended as long as Pakistan continues to support cross-border terrorism. This strategic move underlines India’s intent to leverage every diplomatic and strategic tool against Pakistan’s proxy war tactics.
Government officials have made it clear that Islamabad cannot expect selective cooperation while backing terror networks. “They can’t expect development and dialogue in one hand while holding a gun in the other,” a senior official stated.
Military Dialogue Restricted to DGMO Level Only
Sources further noted that any dialogue with Pakistan will now be limited strictly to military operational channels, specifically between the DGMOs of both nations. The political and diplomatic channels remain on hold unless there is a concrete move by Pakistan to dismantle its terror infrastructure.
This latest shift follows India’s pattern of strategic patience layered with tactical aggression—a posture that has become more visible after multiple terror incidents and surgical strikes in recent years.
A Calculated Warning
Prime Minister Modi’s directive sends a calculated yet unyielding signal. The message is not just aimed at Pakistan but also at global observers: India will defend its borders uncompromisingly, will not tolerate terrorism, and will not allow the Kashmir discourse to be hijacked by external forces.
As Operation Sindoor continues in classified sectors, New Delhi has made it abundantly clear that peace will only follow justice—and justice begins with an end to terrorism and the return of PoK.
