After clash, a time to talk

Top military-level talks today after Saturday's understanding; India's retaliation was precise, calibrated: DGMO

- Manas Pimpalkhare & Subhash Narayan

Top military officials of India and Pakistan will speak on Monday after a four-day conflict ended, even as a fragile pause prevails following days of escalation. India on Sunday said any ceasefire violation will attract a fierce response, after shells rained in from across the border in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday itself.

India will respond fiercely to ceasefire violations "if repeated tonight, subsequently or later," Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen. Rajiv Ghai said at a rare press briefing by DGMOs of India's air, land and naval forces.

"We have earlier today sent another hotline message to my counterpart highlighting these violations of the understanding between the DGMOs on 10th of May, and our firm and clear intent to respond to these fiercely," Lt Gen. Ghai said, adding the Chief of Army Staff has granted full authority to the army commander for counteraction in case of any ceasefire violation.

On Sunday, India's top military brass produced photographs and videos of India's strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, terming Operation Sindoor a "thumping victory." India agreed to pause fighting after the Pakistani side reached out for a ceasefire, Indian officials said.

DGMOs for the army, navy and air force—Lt Gen Ghai, air marshal A.K. Bharti and vice-admiral A.N. Pramod, respectively—attended the briefing. India has also neutralized several advanced enemy fighter jets during the recent combat, air marshal Bharti said.

"Pakistan left us with no choice but to retaliate and our retaliation was precise, calibrated," air marshal Bharti said. He said the operation killed over 100 terrorists including high-value targets such as Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudasir Ahmed. India has claimed striking 11 air bases in Pakistan.