Strategic Calm Returns After Four Days of Intense Escalation
Border states across India reported the first peaceful night since May 7 on Sunday, as both India and Pakistan entered a mutually agreed-upon ceasefire following one of the most intense military confrontations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in recent decades. After nearly 100 hours of high-stakes tension that included drone attacks, precision airstrikes, and missile exchanges, the two countries agreed on May 10 to halt all military operations across land, air, and sea.
Highlights:
Border states witness peace for the first time since May 7.
Ceasefire announced by India and Pakistan on May 10 after intense escalation.
Agreement covers all domains: land, air, and maritime theatres.
High-Level DGMO Talks Scheduled to Cement Ceasefire Terms
In a major diplomatic and military engagement, the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries will meet today around noon in New Delhi. The meeting between India’s Lt Gen Rajeev Ghai and Pakistan’s Maj Gen Kashif Chaudhry marks the first official military dialogue since the abrupt spike in hostilities. Their objective will be to solidify the ceasefire understanding reached during high-level military communication on May 10, and to establish ground rules for ensuring long-term stability.
According to top defence sources, the meeting is likely to focus on operational protocols, communication hotlines, and rules of engagement along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) to prevent further escalations.
Highlights:
DGMOs of India and Pakistan to meet in New Delhi today at noon.
First formal military dialogue since May 7 hostilities.
Talks expected to focus on solidifying ceasefire and outlining engagement rules.
The DGMO’s Central Role in Peace and Combat Operations
India’s Director General of Military Operations, Lt Gen Rajeev Ghai, holds a critical role in orchestrating military strategy across combat, counter-insurgency, and peacekeeping domains. Tasked with maintaining operational readiness and force deployment strategy, the DGMO’s role becomes particularly pivotal during escalated military situations. In this instance, Lt Gen Ghai’s rapid response and high-level coordination with his Pakistani counterpart were essential to the swift de-escalation observed over the weekend.
Highlights:
Indian DGMO leads operational coordination during combat and peacetime.
Played pivotal role in fast-tracked de-escalation and force stabilization.
Ensures strategic deployment of troops and infrastructure in conflict zones.
Escalation Timeline: From Airstrikes to Ceasefire Agreement
Tensions began escalating sharply on the night of May 7, when the Indian Air Force launched targeted strikes deep into Pakistani territory, aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure. Pakistan retaliated by attempting missile and drone strikes on Indian military bases and civilian areas across J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The conflict rapidly evolved into a multi-theatre engagement.
India, in response, claimed to have successfully neutralized all vectors of attack, inflicting considerable damage on Pakistani military assets. After sustained confrontation and diplomatic outreach, the breakthrough came via direct military communication, with Pakistan initiating a phone call to the Indian DGMO on May 10 at 3:35 pm. A consensus to de-escalate was quickly reached.
Highlights:
May 7: Indian Air Force launches airstrikes on terror targets in Pakistan.
Pakistan retaliates with cross-border and aerial attacks.
May 10: Ceasefire agreed upon after direct DGMO-level talks initiated by Pakistan.
Foreign Minister Vikram Misri confirms success of backchannel communication.
Military and Diplomatic Coordination Achieve De-escalation
The ceasefire agreement reflects effective military-diplomatic synergy, with both defence and foreign ministries playing integral roles. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, speaking during a joint press meet with defence officials, affirmed that the ceasefire emerged from focused communication, not mediated by third parties. This development underlines the importance of direct bilateral engagement in managing military crises.
India has reiterated that its operations were strictly targeted at terror infrastructure and not intended to escalate the situation beyond control. The decision to reciprocate Pakistan’s outreach signals a measured yet firm Indian posture, focused on restoring stability while protecting national interests.
Highlights:
Ceasefire achieved through direct military diplomacy—no third-party mediation.
India reiterated that its strikes targeted only terror facilities.
Foreign and defence ministries worked in tandem to ensure coordinated de-escalation.
