India, Pakistan to Hold Military Talks as Ceasefire Deadline Ends

NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan will have level military talks today as the deadline for the newly established ceasefire is about to expire. This meeting, which would be at 12 noon, would witness the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) from the two nations negotiating their future actions.

The two had last talked on May 10 at 3.35 pm, after which both decided to cease hostilities. The ceasefire ended temporarily days of fierce armed fighting, which had witnessed Pakistan firing at Indian military installations and civilian targets with drones and projectiles across the border and the Line of Control (LoC).

The newest spate of violence started when India initiated Operation Sindoor on May 7. The operation was an aerial and missile strike against terror camps and bases located in Pakistan's Punjab province and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). It was a counterstrike for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which Pakistani terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir brutally slaughtered 26 innocent tourists. Pakistan responded by launching cross-border aggression, heightening tensions, and compelling both countries to agree on a ceasefire on May 10.

Nevertheless, tensions continued as Pakistan broke the ceasefire hours after the announcement. There were reports of explosions in Srinagar, while Indian troops intercepted and destroyed drones in other areas along the border. Commenting on the developments, India's DGMO Lieutenant General Rajeev Ghai said in a press conference yesterday that India had sent a hotline message to Pakistan, which decried the ceasefire breaches. He threatened that India would retaliate with "forceful and punitive action" to any other provocation, highlighting India's adamant attitude in protecting its sovereignty and citizens' security.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also called on Pakistan to behave responsibly and respond seriously to the violations. He emphasized that India wants Pakistan to comply with the understanding reached between the militaries. General Ghai also added that India had been exercising a lot of restraint until now, making sure that its military moves were targeted, proportionate, and escalating. But he made it clear that any future threat will be countered with firm force.

In a strong political message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi restated India's unflinching stance on Kashmir. In discussions with US Vice President JD Vance, Modi asserted that the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is the sole pending matter with Pakistan. Sources say Modi communicated that India would only discuss matters with Pakistan if it's about the transfer of terrorists. "There is nothing else to discuss," Modi was quoted as having said, ensuring that India will not consider expanding the terms of negotiation beyond these priority issues.

As military officials from both nations prepare for today’s crucial meeting, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of tensions. However, the firm messaging from India indicates that any further aggression from Pakistan will be met with a strong and decisive response.

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