New Delhi: India has adopted a firm stance against terrorism, stating that any future terror attacks coming from across its borders will be dealt with as acts of war. The statement comes after Pakistan’s repeated ceasefire violations and drone strikes, which have increased tensions between the two countries. The Indian government’s stance reflects its zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, especially after a tenuous ceasefire agreement was violated within hours on Saturday.
The context of the Warning
The warning came after a series of provocative actions by Pakistan, such as artillery firing and drone intrusions along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu, Srinagar, Baramulla, and other areas. The attack came immediately after both nations agreed on a ceasefire on May 10, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. onwards. Negotiations were brokered by Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO). The ceasefire, aimed at stopping all military activities by land, sea, and air, was breached within hours when Pakistan resorted to drone attacks and shelling. This invited strong retaliation from Indian air defence systems.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while speaking with the media, reaffirmed India’s resolve to fight terrorism. “India has always been strong and unyielding against terrorism. Any future terrorist attack will be viewed as an act of war, and we will react accordingly,” he said, indicating a hardening of New Delhi’s stance.
Escalating Tensions and Operation Sindoor The tensions date back to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terrorist attack, where 26 civilians died. India retaliated with ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and the PoK. Pakistan’s drone and missile attacks on Indian military and civilian targets, including schools and hospitals, were condemned globally. India’s air defences intercepted these attacks. Its counterattacks caused massive damage to Pakistani military installations, such as those in Rafiqui, Murid, and Sialkot.
The ceasefire, facilitated by U.S. mediation, was considered an important step toward de-escalation. However, Pakistan’s disregard for the truce, demonstrated by its resumed drone attacks in Srinagar, Jammu, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, has stoked distrust. Indian troops shot down several drones, and blackouts were imposed in affected districts, including Srinagar, Baramulla, and Katra.
International Reactions and the IMF Loan Controversy
The United States was instrumental in brokering the ceasefire, with President Donald Trump taking credit for the negotiations. The $1 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan to Pakistan, however, approved during the conflict, raised eyebrows. India objected to the loan, citing that Pakistan’s record of misusing economic assistance to support terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, is a regional security risk. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi referred to the loan as an “International Militant Fund”, calling upon world powers to demilitarise Pakistan’s nuclear capability.
Consequences of India’s Position
India’s announcement to treat future terrorist activities as acts of war marks a shift towards a more aggressive policy. The administration has directed the Border Security Force (BSF) to retaliate in full force against any breaches, and military preparedness is high. The statement also pressures the global community to act on Pakistan’s sponsorship of terrorism. This is especially considering its economic reliance on IMF loans and aid from nations such as China and Saudi Arabia.
With tensions continuing, India’s hardline stance seeks to discourage further aggression while asserting its resolve for national security. The planned DGMO talks on May 12, 2025, will be pivotal in deciding whether negotiations can bring back stability or whether the region continues to hover on the edge of escalation.