New Delhi: There is peace on the India-Pakistan border for now, as both countries have agreed to a ceasefire until May 18. Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, announced this on Thursday after military leaders from the two countries held talks to reduce tensions caused by a terrorist attack last month.
The Indian Army said that talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries were held on Thursday, following up on earlier decisions to ease tension. India was represented by Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, whereas Major General Kashif Abdullah was the commander for Pakistan. The leaders decided to scale down their deployments and act calmly so that there would be no incidents that falsely broke their truce.
The ceasefire was first agreed upon on May 10, after many battles, and then made stronger through a DGMO call held on May 12. Pakistan announced they would cease firing aimed at India, which was also repeated by India, with each side promising not to perform hostile actions. The army emphasised the importance of these engagements for peace, and they are taking measures to ease tensions on the tense border.
A terrible terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22 led to growing stress, as 26 tourists died at the hands of Pakistan-backed groups. India carried out Operation Sindoor on May 7, which aimed at Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s terrorist camps, destroying over 100 militants. Pakistan felt the consequences of the successful operation and suggested a ceasefire on May 10, which India recognised.
Despite the ceasefire, trust between India and Pakistan remains lacking. India’s armed forces are closely monitoring the situation, and both countries must transform the tenuous agreements into enduring peace. Fewer gunshots at the border is a modest but important move to ease a long-standing conflict that has characterised the region.