The Indian Army has clarified that the current cessation of hostilities with Pakistan does not have an "expiry date." This statement was issued on Sunday, May 18, 2025, in response to media reports suggesting that the ceasefire, which was established on May 10, 2025, and reaffirmed on May 12, 2025, would end on May 18, 2025.

According to the Army, the continuation of the break in hostilities was decided during interactions between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries on May 12, 2025. Furthermore, no DGMO-level talks were scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The understanding to cease military hostilities came about after a phone call between the Indian DGMO, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, and his Pakistani counterpart, Major General Kashif Abdullah. Both sides agreed to halt all military actions against each other on land, in the air, and at sea. This agreement brought an end to a four-day military confrontation that had raised concerns of a full-blown war.

This recent escalation was triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed. India responded with "Operation Sindoor," targeting terror sites within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The pre-dawn strikes resulted in a series of attacks and counterattacks along the western border, involving fighter jets, missiles, armed drones, and artillery exchanges. Notably, the Indian Air Force reportedly struck targets at 13 Pakistani airbases and military installations in a counterattack on the night of May 9-10.

Since May 10, 2025, neither side has reportedly fired a single shot, adhering to a key condition of the ceasefire. However, there were reports of attempted violations by Pakistan, with drones sighted over Indian cities on May 10 and May 12.

On May 15, 2025, the Indian Army expressed its intention to implement "confidence-building measures" (CBMs) along the border to de-escalate the situation. These measures include strict adherence to the May 10 commitment of no firing or aggressive actions and potential troop reduction in forward areas.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, on May 16, 2025, issued a warning to Islamabad, stating that Pakistan was "on probation" under the May 10 understanding. He emphasized that any disturbance would be met with the "harshest punishment," and that India's previous actions were merely a "trailer" of what it was capable of.

While the Indian Army maintains that the ceasefire has no expiry date, it has also made it clear that the future of the truce depends on Pakistan's behavior. The Indian government has conveyed that dialogue with Pakistan would focus on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and terrorism.