Recent reports highlight that communication between India and Pakistan, following a period of heightened tensions, has primarily occurred through the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. Sources indicate that direct talks between the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of India and Pakistan have not taken place, although they have been in contact.
The recent escalation was triggered by a deadly attack in Pahalgam, in India-administered Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the death of 26 people. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based armed groups, a charge Islamabad denies. In response, India launched attacks on what it called "terrorist infrastructure" inside Pakistan. This led to a series of cross-border exchanges, including the use of drones and missiles, bringing the two nations to the brink of war.
To de-escalate the situation, a ceasefire agreement was reached on Saturday, May 10, following diplomatic efforts led by the United States and involving over 30 countries. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that he and Vice President JD Vance engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, to discuss the ceasefire and to "start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site". However, even after the ceasefire agreement, both sides accused each other of violations.
According to sources, after India's "Operation Sindoor," Pakistan's NSA and Air ISI chief Asim Malik sought to initiate communication with Indian NSA Ajit Doval. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stipulated that any ceasefire would only proceed "on our terms". Prior to the ceasefire announcement, NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were in communication with their U.S. counterparts, keeping Prime Minister Modi informed.
The ceasefire understanding was bilaterally worked out between India and Pakistan, without any third-party mediation. The Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan contacted his Indian counterpart, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, at 3:35 PM IST on May 10, and they agreed to halt all firing and military activity — on land, in the air, and at sea — with effect from 5:00 PM IST. Orders to enforce the ceasefire were issued on both sides. Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai stated that the communication with the Pakistan DGMO resulted in the cessation of cross-border firing and air intrusions by either side. They also decided to speak again on May 12 to discuss the modalities that would enable the longevity of this understanding.
Despite the agreement, violations were reported just hours after the ceasefire was to take effect. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that there had been repeated violations and that Indian forces were retaliating. He held Pakistan fully accountable for the renewed hostilities and called on Islamabad to immediately put an end to these provocations.
The DGMOs are in direct communication through a dedicated hotline, which is crucial for managing tensions at the border, especially during times of escalation. The DGMOs are often the first point of contact when tensions rise, which helps prevent misunderstandings and control conflict. A DGMO is trusted to take quick decisions, share real-time information, and handle technical military issues like troop movement or ceasefire violations.
China has also been involved, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaking to India's NSA Ajit Doval and expressing hope that India and Pakistan would address their differences through dialogue and achieve a lasting ceasefire. Doval conveyed India's need to take counter-terrorism actions, while China appreciated India's stance against war.
Pakistan's Federal Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, has stated that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) suspension will be part of the agenda of the DGMO level talks with India. India had suspended the IWT following the Pahalgam terror attack.
