Here's How India, Pakistan Worked Out Ceasefire Deal | Explained

Following four days of targeted missile strikes, drone incursions, and artillery exchanges along the Line of Control (LoC), India and Pakistan agreed to cease all military operations across land, air, and sea as of the evening of May 10.

However, only hours after the agreement came into effect, Pakistani drones were spotted and neutralised in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, as well as regions in Gujarat.

Photo Credit: PTI

India later stated that Pakistan had violated the ceasefire and assured that the armed forces were delivering an "adequate and appropriate response."

At a press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri underscored the seriousness of the matter, saying India was taking the violations "very, very seriously."

These incidents came in the wake of a series of escalating military engagements that began on Friday morning, reported NDTV.

Here is a detailed timeline of events:

* At dawn on May 10, Indian Air Force jets launched BrahMos-A (air-launched) cruise missiles at key Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases. Confirmed targets included Chaklala near Rawalpindi and Sargodha in Pakistan's Punjab province, both critical to Pakistan's military aviation and logistics. Later in the day, Indian intelligence confirmed further strikes on bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Jacobabad, Bholari, and Skardu, following damage assessments via human and open-source intelligence.

* Soon after the strikes, Indian intelligence intercepted heightened alert communications within Pakistani defence networks, suggesting fears that India might next target Pakistan's nuclear command and control infrastructure. Strategic sites in Rawalpindi, especially those linked to the Strategic Plans Division, reportedly stepped up their security protocols.

* At this point, Pakistan sought urgent intervention from the United States. Government sources indicate that American officials had already been in contact with both sides, anticipating a flare-up. However, the perceived threat to strategic assets pushed Washington to intensify its involvement.

* While publicly maintaining neutrality, the US is believed to have delivered a firm message to Islamabad: activate the military hotline and initiate de-escalation immediately. The Pakistani military was reportedly "practically ordered" to make direct contact with its Indian counterpart without delay.

* By the afternoon of 10 May, after several of Pakistan's more aggressive moves had been countered by Indian forces, Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations, Major General Kashif Abdullah, called his Indian counterpart, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai. Foreign Secretary Misri later confirmed the call had taken place at 15:35 IST.

* India maintained its stance of refusing to engage in any direct negotiation with Pakistan outside of official military protocols. Despite international diplomatic pressure, New Delhi did not entertain mediation, signalling instead that its armed forces were ready for a further escalation-reportedly including targeted strikes on energy infrastructure, economic hubs, and deeper strategic command nodes.

* India also confirmed that decisions made in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack-including the temporary suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)-would not be reversed in light of the ceasefire.