Explosions at dawn, ceasefire by dusk: The 72 hours that shook the subcontinent

The dramatic and rapid escalation for two nights—followed just as quickly by a declared ceasefire—between India and Pakistan. What began with explosions and blackouts early in the day on Saturday ended with an unexpected ceasefire announcement, reportedly brokered by US President Donald Trump. But as always, Pakistan breached the ceasefire within hours, casting a long shadow on any real hopes of de-escalation.

Morning chaos, evening ceasefire

Saturday began with a surge in hostilities along the Line of Control. There were drone incursions, heavy shelling, projectiles flying across the border and air raid sirens blaring through the night. India responded proportionately and decisively. What some initially labelled a ceasefire is now being more accurately described by Indian officials as a “stoppage of firing.”

Sources say India’s military operation—Operation Sindoor—is still active. The message is clear: this is the new normal. “You fire at us, we fire back. You behave, we stand down.” Tensions may have ebbed slightly, but the conflict is far from over.

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Build-up to Operation Sindoor

This recent flare-up can be traced back to April 22, when Pakistani forces and Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. In response, India escalated diplomatically by suspending the Indus Water Treaty, a move that had both symbolic and practical implications. While Pakistan had long disregarded the treaty’s provisions, India’s formal suspension sent a stern message.

Indian diplomats began extensive outreach to global partners, reiterating three key principles: retribution, accountability and justice. Military preparations followed swiftly.

The precision strike

On the night of May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation lasted just 25 minutes—from 1.05 to 1.30am—but achieved all its objectives with precision. India made its intentions clear to the world by releasing a statement and also reached out to Pakistan’s military leadership, emphasising that the strikes were limited to terror camps, not civilian or military targets.

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However, Pakistan refused to de-escalate. Instead, it responded with intense shelling, drone attacks and missile strikes aimed at Indian civilian areas and military installations. None succeeded and Pakistan’s losses began mounting.

A turning point

Despite the rising tension, the US initially maintained distance. President Trump publicly stated that “the two sides will sort it out,” while Vice President JD Vance dismissed any American role.

But on the night of May 9, a shift occurred. Vice President Vance called Prime Minister Narendra Modi concerned about a potential escalation albeit non-nuclear. Modi’s response was resolute: India will respond strongly.

The very next day, May 10, Pakistan launched a large-scale attack on India’s Adampur Air Force Station in Punjab and targeted locations in Jammu and Kashmir. India responded swiftly by striking multiple Pakistani airbases and releasing satellite imagery to substantiate the damage inflicted.

This marked a decisive shift in the conflict. Pakistan, now on the back foot, reached out to Washington.

American involvement: Behind the scenes

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir, followed by a call to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Rubio was told firmly: if Pakistan wanted a ceasefire, it must initiate it through proper military channels. The message was unequivocal: India would not seek a ceasefire. Pakistan would have to request it.

The ceasefire call

At around 1 pm on Saturday, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called his Indian counterpart via the established hotline. India, in no rush, delayed the response. Only at 3.35 pm, the two DGMOs spoke. Pakistan formally requested a ceasefire.

By 5 pm, the ceasefire came into effect. Both nations agreed to halt hostilities by land, air and sea. Another DGMO-level conversation is scheduled for Monday signalling cautious optimism.

Ceasefire already under strain

Barely hours into the ceasefire, reports emerged of violations by Pakistan, once again putting its commitment under question. Indian officials, meanwhile, emphasise that Operation Sindoor remains on standby and India retains the right to respond to any provocation.

This isn’t a peace deal. It’s a tactical pause. While Western media may frame the ceasefire as a diplomatic win for the US, sources within the Indian government assert this was a military-driven resolution, not foreign mediation.

The message from India remains consistent and clear: justice will be served, deterrence will be maintained and any future aggression will meet with a proportionate and decisive response.