Despite the fragile ceasefire, Pakistan violated the agreement within hours with drone attacks in border areas. In response, Prime Minister Modi granted the armed forces "free hand" while reportedly telling US envoy Vance: "If Pakistan fires, India fires back stronger."
The Indian Air Force maintained that "Operation Sindoor is still ongoing," creating tensions throughout the morning. By afternoon, military officials held a press conference revealing extensive details: over 100 terrorists killed (including IC-814 hijackers and Pulwama attackers), 40 Pakistani military personnel eliminated, and 9 terror hubs destroyed. Indian forces lost 5 soldiers.
Vice Admiral Pramod disclosed the Navy was positioned to strike Karachi Port but awaited government orders. Meanwhile, Trump offered to mediate on the Kashmir issue - a proposal India promptly rejected. Plans emerged to present evidence of Pakistan's terrorist links at the UN Security Council, and the IPL cricket tournament was set to resume on May 16.