“India once again snatches defeat from the jaws of victory”, says Brahma Chellaney after the Pakistan ceasefire

India's recent decision to cease military operations against Pakistan, merely three days into 'Operation Sindoor,' has ignited a debate among strategic experts.

Geostrategist affairs expert Brahma Chellaney, a noted commentator on international affairs, labeled the move as another instance of India "snatching defeat from the jaws of victory."

The ceasefire, announced on May 10, 2025, came after intense cross-border hostilities following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militants, prompting a series of retaliatory strikes targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-administered regions.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri detailed that the ceasefire was agreed upon after a direct communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations. "It was agreed between them that both sides will stop firing and military action on land, air, and sea from 17:00 hrs IST today," Misri stated, adding that further discussions were scheduled for May 12.

While Indian officials emphasized that the ceasefire was initiated on India's terms, with coordination involving National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Chellaney questioned the strategic rationale behind the abrupt halt.

Drawing parallels with past decisions, Chellaney remarked, "1948: India takes the Jammu and Kashmir issue to the UN and agrees to a ceasefire when the Army is marching toward victory. 1954: Without any quid pro quo, India surrenders extraterritorial rights in Tibet. 1966: India returns Haji Pir to Pakistan, which later becomes a terror launchpad."

He further added, "2021: India vacates the strategic Kailash Heights and agrees to Chinese-designed buffer zones in Ladakh. And now, 2025: After launching ‘Operation Sindoor’ to end Pakistan’s four-decade-long proxy war, India halts it three days later without achieving any clear objective."

The United States has claimed a role in facilitating the ceasefire. Former President Donald Trump stated that the agreement followed a "long night of talks" mediated by Washington. "Congratulations to both countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence," he wrote on Truth Social.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that the ceasefire would pave the way for broader discussions at a neutral venue. However, Indian officials have refuted this claim, asserting that no such talks are planned. "There is no decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place," sources informed India Today.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar reiterated India's unwavering stance against terrorism. "India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so," he affirmed.

In a prior interview with CNBC-TV18, Chellaney cautioned against overestimating the impact of short-term military actions. "You could kill a thousand terrorists, and Pakistan, the world’s biggest terrorism factory, would produce more. These are disposable assets for their military," he noted.

The ceasefire has brought temporary relief to border regions, with reports indicating a cessation of hostilities. However, the underlying tensions and unresolved issues between the two nations suggest that the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges.