On May 11, 2025, the Indian National Congress strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, calling it an attempt to internationalize the Kashmir issue. Congress leaders warned that such intervention undermines India's consistent stance that Kashmir is a bilateral issue with Pakistan, not open to third-party involvement. While Pakistan welcomed the ceasefire and praised U.S. mediation, India remained silent on the diplomatic effort. Congress urged the Indian government to firmly oppose any external interference and reiterate its commitment to handling Kashmir internally and through bilateral channels. (The Week)  

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri faced online backlash after the India-Pakistan ceasefire, with critics accusing him of compromising national security. In response, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi defended Misri, stating that the Foreign Secretary shouldn't be blamed for the ceasefire agreement. Owaisi emphasized that diplomatic decisions involve multiple stakeholders and that singling out Misri is unjustified. The ceasefire followed Operation Sindoor, India's military response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, with both nations accusing each other of violations. Owaisi's defense highlights the complexities of diplomatic negotiations and the importance of collective responsibility in such decisions. (PC: Arab News & NDTV)

India has made it clear that Operation Sindoor is ongoing, despite a recent ceasefire understanding with Pakistan. After striking terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7, India declared a "new normal" in its counter-terrorism policy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a high-level security meeting, stated unequivocally, "Wahan se goli chalegi, toh yahan se gola chalega" (If they fire bullets, we will fire shells). The ceasefire, effective from 5 PM IST on Saturday, was soon violated by Pakistan through shelling and drone activity. Indian forces remain on high alert, with all future communication restricted to military channels, sources confirmed. (PC: ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during a public address in Gorakhpur, highlighted India's military strength by referencing the BrahMos missile. Amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, he stated that “Pakistanis know the strength of BrahMos,” emphasizing India’s advanced defense capabilities. The remark was intended to reassure the public of national security readiness and act as a warning to adversaries. The BrahMos missile, developed jointly by India and Russia, is renowned for its speed, precision, and destructive power. Adityanath’s comments align with the government's assertive posture on safeguarding India's sovereignty and borders. (PC: PTI)  

As tensions escalated between India and Pakistan, U.S. Vice President JD Vance contacted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge dialogue, following alarming intelligence indicating a high risk of conflict. This marked a significant shift from Vance's earlier stance of non-intervention. The U.S. played a pivotal role in facilitating communication between the two nations, leading to a ceasefire agreement. However, the truce was short-lived, with India accusing Pakistan of violations shortly after its implementation. Pakistan denied these allegations. The situation underscores the fragile nature of peace in the region and the challenges of diplomatic intervention. (PC: India Today)

Following Pakistan's breach of the recent understanding to cease hostilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting with top military and security officials at his New Delhi residence. Attendees included National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The meeting aimed to assess the situation and determine India's strategic response. Earlier, the Indian government clarified that the previous day's declaration was an "understanding," not a formal ceasefire. This development underscores the fragility of peace efforts between the two nations and the importance of clear communication in de-escalating tensions. (PC: CNBC & The Tribune)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed India's military strength following reports of BrahMos missile deployment in Operation Sindoor. The operation, launched in response to the Pahalgam attack that killed 28 civilians, targeted terrorist infrastructures of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan-administered regions. Singh emphasized that the strikes were precise, non-escalatory, and avoided Pakistani military facilities. He highlighted India's commitment to self-reliance, noting plans to commence BrahMos missile production in Lucknow by 2026. This move aligns with India's broader strategy to bolster indigenous defense capabilities and deter external threats. Singh reiterated that India's defense initiatives aim to ensure national security without aggression towards other nations. (PC: PTI & NDTV)

In a significant escalation, the Indian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes on multiple Pakistani military installations, reportedly employing advanced weaponry including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, SCALP, and HAMMER munitions. Targets comprised key airbases such as Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Skardu, Bholari, Jacobabad, and Sargodha, along with radar sites at Pasrur and Sialkot. This operation marks the first known combat use of the BrahMos missile. The Indian military emphasized that only identified military targets were engaged, focusing on technical infrastructure, command and control centers, radar sites, and weapon storage areas. The strikes were a response to escalating tensions and aimed at neutralizing strategic assets deep within Pakistani territory. (PC: Express Archives: Tashi Tobgyal)

In a significant crackdown, Manipur police and security forces arrested 13 active members of banned insurgent groups within 24 hours. The detainees, involved in extortion and illegal activities, include cadres from Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) factions, Revolutionary People's Front/People's Liberation Army (RPF/PLA), and People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak – Progressive (PREPAK-Pro). Seized items comprise 121 rounds of assorted ammunition (5.56 mm, AK, .303), two Baofeng two-way radios, a bulletproof vest with iron plates, a camouflage helmet, mobile phones, an Aadhaar card, a green backpack, and a four-wheeler vehicle. Notable arrests include Ningthoujam Kiran Meitei and Sorokhaibam Inaocha Singh (KCP-PWG), Abujam Manoj Singh (KCP-Apunba), Sogolsem Thoithoi (RPF/PLA), and Ingudam Ingocha Singh and Sarangthem Premananda Singh (PREPAK-Pro). Operations spanned Imphal West, Imphal East, and Kakching districts. Authorities continue efforts to dismantle insurgent networks and restore peace in the region. (PC: Arab News & The Hindu)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, known for his eloquence, responded to Pakistan's ceasefire violations following India's Operation Sindoor with a poetic remark: "Uski fitrat hai." This came after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 28 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab province. Pakistan retaliated with Operation Bunyan al-Marsus, leading to escalated tensions and marking the world's first drone war between two nuclear-armed nations. Tharoor emphasized that uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is unfeasible due to past betrayals like the Mumbai and Pathankot attacks. However, he advocated for increased people-to-people interactions, suggesting more visas to foster goodwill between the nations. (PC: Mint)