'Any act of terror will ...': How India has changed rules of engagement with Pakistan

In a significant escalation of its counter-terrorism doctrine, the government on Saturday declared that any future terrorist attack on its soil will be treated as an act of war and will invite a military response.

A top government official said, “Any future act of terror in India will be considered an act of war against the country and will be responded to accordingly.” The statement marks a formal shift in India’s rules of engagement, drawing a clear red line for Pakistan-based terror groups.

What is 'act of war'

Under international law, an “act of war” implies a hostile action by one state that could justify retaliatory use of force. India’s new stance signals a readiness to invoke self-defence provisions under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

In response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated with artillery shelling and drone attacks, which India claimed caused no significant damage.

Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi dismissed Islamabad’s claims of damage to Indian military installations, calling them “completely wrong” and part of a “coordinated misinformation campaign.” Wing Commander Vyomika Singh affirmed that Indian strikes targeted only terrorist infrastructure, not civilian or religious sites.

Meanwhile, Commodore Raghu R Nair confirmed that India’s armed forces have been instructed to comply with a ceasefire understanding reached with Pakistan. The ceasefire, effective from 5:00 pm IST on Saturday, was announced after the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations held a phone conversation.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri revealed that further DGMO-level talks are scheduled for May 12 to ensure compliance. External affairs minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, while Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar said Islamabad remained committed to peace without compromising on sovereignty.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that both countries had agreed to begin dialogue at a neutral location, following intense diplomatic engagement with Indian and Pakistani leadership over the past 48 hours.