India-Pakistan Ceasefire Holds Fragile Peace: Foreign Secretary to Brief Parliament

India-Pakistan Ceasefire Holds Fragile Peace: Foreign Secretary to Brief Parliament
The India-Pakistan conflict, reignited by the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, has reached a tentative pause with a US-brokered ceasefire on May 10. The attack, which killed 26 people, prompted India’s Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to brief the Standing Committee on External Affairs on May 19, shedding light on India’s response and the fragile truce.

Pahalgam Attack: The Spark of Conflict
On April 22, a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed 26 lives, including tourists and locals. India swiftly attributed the attack to Pakistan-backed militants, escalating tensions along the Line of Control. The attack, coupled with 1.5 crore cyberattacks, underscored the multifaceted threat. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri accused Pakistan of fostering terrorism, setting the stage for India’s retaliation.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Decisive Response
Launched on May 6–7, Operation Sindoor saw Indian forces strike terror camps in Pakistan’s Bahawalpur and Muridke, reportedly eliminating over 100 terrorists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the operation as a bold stand against terrorism, while Pakistan claimed India targeted religious sites, a charge India denied. The operation disrupted terror networks but triggered Pakistani drone incursions and missile strikes, intensifying the conflict.

Ceasefire: A Fragile Truce
After four days of hostilities, a ceasefire was secured on May 10, mediated by the US. However, posts on X reported Pakistani drone intrusions hours later, with Misri labeling these as “repeated breaches.” Despite the truce, India remains vigilant, warning Pakistan against violations. The ceasefire has reopened 32 Indian airports, but the peace remains precarious.

Parliamentary Briefing: What to Expect
On May 19, Misri will brief the parliamentary panel on India’s military and diplomatic strategy. The session will address Operation Sindoor’s outcomes, ceasefire challenges, and India’s stance on Pakistan’s alleged violations. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, demand a special Parliament session, signaling intense scrutiny. The briefing will shape India’s next steps in this volatile standoff.