India-Pakistan ceasefire extended until May 18; DGMOs to hold crucial talks again
India-Pakistan ceasefire: India and Pakistan have agreed to extend their temporary ceasefire until May 18, with top military officials from both nations—Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs)—scheduled to convene shortly for a strategic review of the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and international border areas, official sources confirmed.
The upcoming dialogue follows a significant de-escalation agreement reached on May 10 after four days of intense hostilities, including drone and missile strikes from both sides. The situation had dramatically escalated following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.
In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor during the night of May 7–8, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). This was accompanied by strong diplomatic measures, including India's decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty on hold—a pact that has governed water sharing between the two countries since 1960.
While the ceasefire agreement of May 10 called for an immediate halt to all military activity across land, air, and sea, Pakistan was accused of violating it within hours. Nonetheless, both sides have since agreed to maintain confidence-building measures aimed at gradually reducing troop alertness along the LoC.
A statement from the Indian Army said, "In line with the mutual understanding reached on May 10, steps will continue to lower operational alert levels. As the ground situation evolves, further information will be shared."
Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended an olive branch, expressing readiness for dialogue in the interest of long-term peace. However, India remains cautious. In response to Pakistan’s appeal to restore the Indus Waters Treaty—critical for Pakistan’s agricultural and drinking water needs—New Delhi reiterated its stance.
India insists that the treaty will not be reinstated unless there is a “credible and irreversible” halt to cross-border terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a stern message during his national address on Operation Sindoor, stating, “Water and blood cannot flow together.” He clarified that while India has temporarily paused military actions, its future course will depend on Pakistan’s behaviour.
"Terror and talks cannot go hand in hand. Terror and trade cannot go hand in hand. Water and blood cannot flow together," PM Modi had said, making it clear that the ceasefire is not a sign of leniency, but a strategic pause.
- With inputs from agencies
