India and Pakistan have agreed to maintain confidence-building measures (CBMs) aimed at reducing military tensions following the recent four-day skirmish between the two nuclear-armed nations from May 7 to May 10.
The Indian Army confirmed on Thursday that, based on a mutual understanding reached during talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) on May 10, both sides have agreed to lower the alertness levels of their forces. This step is expected to help further de-escalate tensions along the border.
The agreement came after Pakistani DGMO Maj Gen Kashif Abdullah called Indian DGMO Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai and proposed a “pause to hostilities” following India’s cross-border strikes in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
Further communication on May 12 reinforced the agreement, with both DGMOs committing that neither side would fire a single shot or engage in aggressive action.
The Indian Army stated:
–“Issues related to continuing the commitment that both sides must not fire a single shot or initiate any aggressive and inimical action against each other were discussed.”
Both sides are also reportedly considering troop reductions along the border and in forward areas, a move that could help solidify the fragile calm after recent hostilities.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar informed parliament that the country’s military had agreed to extend the ceasefire with India until Sunday, confirming that military-to-military communication was ongoing.
These developments come after India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam massacre, targeting terror camps across the Line of Control (LoC). The brief but intense operation sparked fears of wider conflict, which now appear to be easing through backchannel military diplomacy.
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