BJP leader credits Indian Army’s retaliation for forcing Pakistan into ceasefire talks; says India’s resolve has redefined the rules of engagement on terrorism.
Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir), May 11:
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravinder Raina on Saturday applauded the Indian Army’s swift and forceful response to Pakistan’s provocations, asserting that India’s retaliatory strikes in key Pakistani cities — Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi — effectively derailed Islamabad’s plans.
Speaking to media following the bilateral ceasefire announcement, Raina said Pakistan’s recognition of any terrorist attack in India as an “act of war” reflects a critical shift in the regional security narrative — one that underscores the collective strength and resolve of India’s 140 crore (1.4 billion) citizens.
“Every misadventure by Pakistan has been met with a robust response from the Indian Army,” Raina declared. “When Pakistan plotted mischief in Pahalgam, India responded with precision in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. These actions forced Pakistan into a corner, compelling them to seek help from the United States and approach India for de-escalation. Their eventual acceptance that any terrorist act on Indian soil will be treated as an act of war is a testimony to India’s strength and unity.”
Ceasefire Agreement Confirmed
Earlier in the day, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that India and Pakistan had reached an understanding to halt all hostilities — on land, at sea, and in the air — effective from 5:00 PM IST on Saturday. This agreement followed a direct conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations.
“Pakistan’s DGMO called the Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon,” Misri stated at a press briefing. “They agreed that both sides would stop all firing and military action on all fronts. Orders have been issued to enforce this understanding, and the DGMOs will talk again on May 12th at 1200 hours.”
India’s Stance on Terrorism Remains Unyielding
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reinforced that while India welcomed the ceasefire initiative, its position on terrorism remains unchanged.
“India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so,” Jaishankar said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Pakistan Echoes Ceasefire, But Tensions Remain
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also confirmed the ceasefire. “Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he posted.
Despite this agreement, questions remain over the sincerity of Pakistan’s commitment, especially in light of its previous violations of similar understandings.
U.S. Role in De-Escalation
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also confirmed American mediation in brokering the ceasefire, revealing that both India and Pakistan have agreed to open dialogue on a broader range of issues at a neutral venue.
“Over the past 48 hours, Vice President J.D. Vance and I engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani leaders,” Rubio said. “We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif for their prudence and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace.”
Background: Operation Sindoor
The ceasefire announcement comes on the heels of Operation Sindoor, launched by India in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. The Indian Air Force struck nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a series of escalatory moves by Islamabad using drones and artillery fire.
India has since stated that it considers any further acts of cross-border terrorism as direct acts of war, warning of severe retaliation if provoked again.