The military operations chiefs of India and Pakistan are set to hold crucial talks on Monday, aiming to chart the next steps for the nuclear-armed neighbours following a fragile ceasefire that brought calm to the border after days of escalating hostilities.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both sides will speak at 1200 hours IST (0630 GMT) on May 12. The announcement comes after a relative lull in cross-border fire, marking Sunday as the first peaceful night in several days. However, some schools in border areas remained shut as a precaution.
The ceasefire, declared on Saturday, was welcomed as a breakthrough after four days of intense military exchanges, drone incursions, and missile strikes that killed dozens, including civilians. The agreement was publicly acknowledged by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who credited American diplomatic efforts for helping mediate the temporary truce.
A senior Indian Army official said that while the border remained largely quiet overnight, India sent a “hotline” message to Pakistan on Sunday, registering concern over earlier ceasefire violations and warning that further provocation would invite a decisive response.
In contrast, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s military denied any violations of the ceasefire and maintained that Islamabad remained committed to de-escalation.
The latest round of tensions began after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 Indian tourists. India blamed Pakistan-based terror groups for the assault, triggering Operation Sindoor—a series of air and artillery strikes by India targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has denied involvement and called for a neutral international investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, financial markets in both countries responded positively to the easing tensions. Equity indices in Mumbai and Karachi edged higher on Monday morning, reflecting investor optimism over a potential diplomatic thaw.
Despite the ceasefire, military leaders on both sides remain cautious. “The situation remains fluid, and while the guns have fallen silent for now, our forces are on high alert,” said an Indian defence official.
The outcome of Monday’s DGMO-level talks is expected to determine whether the ceasefire holds or collapses under renewed mistrust.
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