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India and Pakistan have formally agreed to extend the temporary halt on all cross-border military engagements, a step seen as part of ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions following a sharp military flare-up last week.
The decision follows the May 10 communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, when Pakistan initiated contact and proposed an immediate ceasefire after several days of intense hostilities.
тАЬFurther to the understanding between the two DGMOs on 10th May 2025, it has been decided to continue the confidence-building measures so as to reduce the alertness level,тАЭ an Indian official said. тАЬAs the situation develops further, we shall intimate you.тАЭ
However, PakistanтАЩs Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told Parliament on Thursday that the military had agreed to extend the ceasefire until Sunday, May 18. тАЬMilitary-to-military communications took place on Wednesday and Thursday,тАЭ he said. тАЬToday we had a conversation, and it is a ceasefire until May 18.тАЭ
Timeline
The initial pause took effect on May 10 at 5:00 p.m., shortly after PakistanтАЩs DGMO contacted his Indian counterpart at 3:30 p.m., proposing a halt to all military activity across land, air, and sea. The Indian government confirmed the agreement later that day, describing it as a тАЬmutual decisionтАЭ following direct military-level discussions.
IndiaтАЩs Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced at a press briefing that day: тАЬInstructions have been given on both sides to implement this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will speak again on May 12.тАЭ
That follow-up conversation has now led to the decision to continue the pause, signalling cautious optimism amid a still-tense and fragile calm.
Escalation and Operation Sindoor
The backdrop to the truce was a dramatic surge in aggression after India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 6, targeting terror camps across the border. That offensive was in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, lost their lives. The Resistance Front, believed to be linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack.
Operation Sindoor resulted in the deaths of approximately 100 terrorists and around 40 Pakistani soldiers, according to officials, but also triggered heavy retaliatory fire from across the border. The escalation included artillery exchanges, drone sightings, and air patrol alerts on both sides.
Although the pause in hostilities was a bilateral decision, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed credit for facilitating the breakthrough, stating on social media that American mediation had played a key role in bringing both sides to the table.
Trump Claims Mediation Role
Although Indian and Pakistani officials described the ceasefire as a bilateral decision, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed credit for brokering the agreement.
тАЬAfter 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,тАЭ Trump posted on Truth Social.
India pushed back on the claim. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified: тАЬIndia and Pakistan have worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorismтАФand will continue to do so.тАЭ
Diplomatic sources said the U.S. may have pressured Islamabad indirectly, reportedly linking IMF loan disbursements to PakistanтАЩs acceptance of the ceasefire terms.
Outlook
While the ceasefire extension is a welcome sign of restraint, analysts caution that the situation remains volatile. тАЬThis doesnтАЩt signal a resolution,тАЭ said one defence analyst. тАЬBut it does indicate that both sides are willing, at least for now, to prevent further escalation.тАЭ
Team BharatShakti
