dgmo pakistan

Pakistan, India hold first round of DGMO-level talks

The exchange marks rare instance of direct military communication amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India

Pakistan and India have held the first round of talks between their Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) via hotline, sources confirmed on Monday.

The exchange marks a rare instance of direct military communication amid heightened tensions between the two countries that follows recent tensions that saw the two South Asian neighbours on the brink of full-scale war.

Pakistan and India agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire on Saturday following days of intense military exchanges that raised fears of a full-scale conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The announcement was first made by US President Donald Trump and later confirmed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The ceasefire came after missile strikes, drone incursions, and retaliatory operations across the border.

Tensions flared after a deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), that left 26 civilians dead. India blamed Pakistan-based elements without providing evidence; Islamabad rejected the claim.

India responded by closing the Wagah border, revoking Pakistani visas, and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty—moves Pakistan labelled as an “act of war.”

By May 6–7, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, claiming to have downed five Indian jets, including Rafales, and intercepted 77 Israeli-origin Harop drones.

The US played a central role in facilitating backchannel diplomacy. Secretary Rubio and Vice President JD Vance held talks with senior leaders from both countries, including PMs Shehbaz Sharif and Narendra Modi, as well as top defence and intelligence officials.

Following Trump’s announcement, both countries suspended military activity across land, air, and sea, though allegations of ceasefire breach were also reported from both sides of the Line of Control (LoC).

A full and immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan has been reached after days of heightened military exchanges between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours.

The announcement was first made by US President Donald Trump on Saturday and later confirmed by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The agreement follows including missile and drone strikes that escalated regional tensions and drew global concern.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that India and Pakistan have agreed to a "full and immediate ceasefire" after both nations exchanged military strikes in recent days.

Neither Pakistan nor India has confirmed the US president's statement.

"After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence," he said in a post on Truth Social.

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry clarified Pakistan’s position on the ceasefire and outlined the military's strategic handling of the escalation, firmly stating that Pakistan “never requested for a ceasefire.”

“Let me put it on record: Pakistan never requested a ceasefire,” the DG ISPR said in a detailed briefing on Sunday. “On the night of May 6 and 7, after those dastardly and cowardly attacks were made, Indians requested [a ceasefire] and Pakistan gave a very clear response—that we will communicate back only after we have given the response that this act deserves,” he added.

According to Lt Gen Chaudhry, it was only after Pakistan had executed its retaliatory campaign under 'Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos' that Islamabad responded to Indian overtures. “So on May 10, after the response and retribution […] and on the request and intervention of international interlocutors, we responded to the already made request of the Indians.”

He also addressed viral claims circulating on social media about an Indian pilot allegedly being captured by Pakistani forces. “I want to categorically state that Pakistan has no Indian pilot in custody,” he said, attributing the reports to “social media chatter” and disinformation campaigns. “This is all part of fake news and propaganda that has been generated from multiple sources.”

Highlighting the high stakes of escalation between two nuclear-armed neighbours, DG ISPR called the idea of war between India and Pakistan “inconceivable” and “sheer stupidity.”

“In a conflict between two rival nuclear powers … such a conflict is actually an absurdity,” he said, adding, “In the case of India and Pakistan, such a conflict can lead to peril of more than 1.6 billion people.”

He added, “In reality, there is no space for war between India and Pakistan, and if anyone wants to carve out this space for war, he is actually carving out the space for mutual annihilation.”

Trump to work with Pakistan, India to resolve Kashmir dispute

In a message posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump called the agreement “historic and heroic” and said both countries had shown “strength, wisdom, and fortitude” by halting what he described as escalating aggression.

“I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan for having the strength, wisdom, and fortitude to fully know and understand that it was time to stop the current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many, and so much,” Trump wrote.

“Millions of good and innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions,” he added.

Trump also credited the United States for its role in supporting the peace effort. “I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision,” he said.

While he acknowledged that Kashmir was not part of the immediate discussions, Trump said he intended to work with both nations on the long-standing territorial dispute. “I will work with you both to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir,” he said. “God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done!!!”

Trump also reiterated plans to “increase trade substantially” with both India and Pakistan, calling them “great Nations.”

Tensions between both countries escalated after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan-based elements for the assault but provided no evidence. Islamabad strongly denied the allegations.