Recent reports circulating in the media suggested the India-Pakistan ceasefire, brokered just days ago, was nearing its end, sparking speculation about renewed hostilities and potential Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level talks. However, the Indian Army has firmly refuted these claims, clarifying that no such talks are scheduled for today, May 18, 2025. Furthermore, the Army emphasized that the existing agreement to halt hostilities, reached during the DGMOs' interaction on May 12, remains in effect "without any expiry date."
This clarification comes as a welcome reassurance amidst heightened tensions following Operation Sindoor, India's response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, involved precision strikes on terror infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated by targeting Indian military bases, prompting strong responses from the Indian side, which inflicted significant damage on key Pakistani military installations.
The intense military exchanges, involving drones, missiles, and artillery, triggered international alarm bells. After four days of escalating conflict, a ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10, 2025, following hotline communication between the DGMOs of both countries. The United States, with President Trump announcing the "full and immediate" ceasefire on social media, played a crucial role in brokering the deal.
Despite the ceasefire, initial hours saw accusations of violations from both sides. Explosions were reported in Srinagar and Jammu, with each country blaming the other for cross-border firing and drone sightings. However, the ceasefire has largely held, with commercial flights resuming and a sense of normalcy returning to both countries.
The DGMOs of India and Pakistan had a discussion on May 12, agreeing to avoid further military escalation and consider reducing troop deployments along the border. This interaction, according to the Indian Army, remains the basis for the continued cessation of hostilities.
While the ceasefire brings a temporary halt to military aggression, India has made it clear that there will be no let-up on measures announced in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. These measures include the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, signaling a shift in India's approach towards cross-border terrorism. India has asserted that Pakistan cannot expect cooperation in areas of its choosing while continuing to support terrorist activities.
The recent events have seemingly established a "new normal" in India-Pakistan relations, with India setting a precedent for raising the costs for perpetrators of terrorist attacks and their backers. The message is clear: any act of terror will be met with swift and decisive retaliation, targeting those responsible and the infrastructure that supports them.
As the ceasefire continues indefinitely, both armies are reportedly focusing on confidence-building measures to maintain peace along the borders. However, Indian forces remain on high alert and vigilant, prepared to respond to any potential threats. The situation remains sensitive, requiring constant monitoring and diplomatic efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
