Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarified on Monday that India’s military operations against Pakistan are merely on pause—not permanently halted. His statement follows a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreed on Saturday between the two nuclear-armed nations, aimed at de-escalating one of their most serious confrontations in decades.
Modi emphasized that India will not tolerate “nuclear blackmail” and promised a firm response to any future militant attacks. He underlined zero tolerance for terrorism while noting that peace along the border had held since the ceasefire. However, Modi made it clear that India’s restraint is strategic, not unconditional.
Following the murder of 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi attributed to militants backed by Pakistan, tensions erupted. Islamabad refuted the accusation. In retaliation, India carried out strikes inside Pakistani territory, targeting what it claims were militant camps. The situation quickly escalated into missile and drone exchanges, with both sides claiming significant military success and civilian casualties.
While India reported targeting and destroying nine militant sites, Pakistan said it inflicted heavy losses on Indian forces and downed five jets—though these claims could not be independently verified.
Despite the ceasefire, both militaries remain on high alert. India reopened its northern airports on Monday, following Pakistan’s earlier move to restore flight operations. Officials from both sides have held talks via military hotline to assess the ceasefire’s status.
Modi stressed that India’s actions are against terrorism, not the Pakistani military or civilians, indicating a willingness to resume diplomacy—provided there are no further provocations.
