
The Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India agreed to further employ confidence-building measures to bring down alert levels at the Line of Control (LoC).
This follows a series of talks between the senior military commanders of the two nations, with the last meeting having taken place on May 12. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the May 10 ceasefire agreement by both sides, according to the Indian Army, with a focus on not making any aggressive or hostile actions.
One of the major features of the accord is the mutual agreement to explore immediate steps towards the reduction of troops from the borders and forward areas. This move is to create a more stable and peaceful atmosphere along the disputed areas.
Despite the encouraging progress, there are challenges. Within days of the first ceasefire agreement, there were cross-border firings and intrusions by drones, which the Indian Army had ascribed to Pakistani Army violations. India's DGMO, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, was disappointed with the incidents, pointing to the delicacy of the ongoing efforts at peace.
In addition to this, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted firmly that despite a temporary freeze on military activities, any terrorist attacks in the future by groups sponsored by Pakistan would lead to swift retaliation. He reiterated that any talks with Pakistan would center only on Pakistan-administered Kashmir and terrorism, excluding the possibility of negotiation on other issue areas.
The recent agreements by the DGMOs are an optimistic but cautious step towards durable peace between the two nuclear neighbors. Strict enforcement of the ceasefire and successful utilization of confidence-building measures will go a long way in building trust and creating stability in the subcontinent.