Steps taken to reduce military buildup along the shared border.

Key Points:

1. Ceasefire Agreement Reaffirmed:

   • Pakistani and Indian military officials (DGMOs) held a scheduled 45-minute conversation, agreeing to uphold last week’s ceasefire and reduce troop deployments along the border.

   • The discussion was initially delayed due to disagreements over the agenda.

2. De-escalation Measures:

   • Both sides committed to avoiding further hostilities and taking steps to withdraw additional troops from forward positions.

   • This move aims to stabilize tensions following a four-day escalation (May 7-10), which included drone strikes, missile attacks, and artillery exchanges.

3. Future Talks Expected:

   • Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar indicated that another round of DGMO talks would occur within 48 hours.

   • The current discussion was described as the first step in reinforcing the ceasefire.

4. Troop Deployment Norms:

   • In peacetime, both countries deploy border security forces (Pakistan Rangers & India’s BSF) along the border, with regular army troops stationed nearby for rapid response.

   • During tensions, offensive and defensive units move closer to the border. The latest agreement suggests some troops will return to peacetime positions.

5. Background of Escalation:

   • The recent conflict was triggered by India’s May 7 aggression, citing an April 22 attack in Pahalgam (Indian-Occupied Kashmir).

   • Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, a coordinated military strike targeting Indian installations.

6. Fragile Truce & Violations:

   • Despite a US-brokered ceasefire on May 10, violations were reported shortly after.

   • Both sides accused each other of breaches, prompting the DGMO meeting to reinforce the agreement.

7. Pakistan’s Military Stance:

   • The ISPR described Operation Bunyanum Marsoos as a precise, restrained response, utilizing drones, missiles, and cyber warfare against 26 Indian military targets.

   • Army Chief Gen Asim Munir emphasized Pakistan’s military readiness and the nation’s unified support in defending its sovereignty.

8. Indian Response:

   • Indian PM Narendra Modi claimed India had “suspended retaliatory action” but warned of future actions based on Pakistan’s conduct.

The latest DGMO talks signify a cautious step toward de-escalation, but mutual distrust remains high. While both sides have agreed to reduce troop presence and uphold the ceasefire, the situation remains volatile. Pakistan’s measured military response demonstrated its capability to retaliate effectively, while India’s rhetoric suggests continued scrutiny of Pakistan’s actions. The next 48 hours—with anticipated follow-up talks—will be critical in determining whether this ceasefire holds or if tensions reignite. International mediation, particularly from the US, may remain pivotal in preventing further conflict.