India, Pakistan DGMOs likely to exchange de-escalation plans today

Sources in the government said this proposal featured in the second round of talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan Monday evening.

It is not clear if the next talks will be between the DGMOs or nominated officers from the respective directorates.

Putting a stop to any kind of aerial violation was also discussed, as was the exchange of a Border Security Force jawan and a Pakistani Ranger who crossed into each other’s territory inadvertently.

According to the Army, DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai spoke to his Pakistani counterpart Major General Kashif Abdullah at 5 pm Monday — their second conversation since Saturday when they agreed to stop all military actions — during which it was agreed that both sides would consider immediate measures to ensure troop reduction from the borders and forward areas.

The Army statement also mentioned that issues related to continuing the commitment that both sides must not fire a single shot or initiate any aggressive and inimical action against each other were discussed.

According to sources, it was discussed that both sides will subsequently adhere to the renewed ceasefire that was agreed to by both sides in 2021, once these points are implemented.

On February 25, 2021, the DGMOs of both countries, after discussions over their established hotline, agreed to a strict observance of all agreements, understandings, and a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and all other sectors, effective from midnight of February 24/25, 2021.

This renewed 2021 ceasefire had followed years of heightened tensions and regular ceasefire violations at the LoC.

According to the Army, repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan using small arms had begun all along the LoC soon after India promised retaliation after the Pahalgam terror attack. The Indian side was learnt to have warned Pakistan over conducting unprovoked firing along the LoC.

This escalated to heavy artillery firing when India launched Operation Sindoor early May 7 and continued until both sides agreed to stop firing across all domains in the first talks between the DGMOs.

While there have been some reports of firing at a small scale in certain areas along the LoC, the Army said Sunday night had largely remained peaceful across J&K and other areas along the International Border. “No incidents have been reported, marking the first calm night in recent days,” the Army said.

However, aerial violations by swarms of small drones continued across various parts of the country, likely for surveillance purposes.

On Monday, the Army said a small number of suspected drones” were “being engaged near Samba in J&K.