As hostilities continue to simmer along the India-Pakistan border, Defence Expert Sanjeev Srivastava on Monday emphasized the significance of the upcoming DGMO-level talks, stating that the meeting is “important” to ensure durable peace along the border and to prevent further provocations.
“This meeting is very important. The focus will be on the understanding reached between India and Pakistan, how to continue this and make it permanent… to ensure that Pakistan won’t violate this understanding again,” Srivastava said while speaking to media in Varanasi.
The statement comes in the backdrop of a short-lived ceasefire initiated on May 10 following a conversation between India’s DGMO Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai and his Pakistani counterpart. The two DGMOs agreed to halt cross-border firing and airspace violations effective from 17:00 hours on May 10.
Ceasefire Breached Hours After Agreement
Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai briefed the media on Sunday, revealing that it was Pakistan’s DGMO who proposed the halt to hostilities. However, the agreement was violated within hours as cross-border shelling and drone intrusions resumed.
“Disappointingly, and expectedly, it took only a couple of hours for the Pakistan Army to violate these arrangements,” Ghai stated.
He added that India responded robustly to the violations and warned of fierce retaliation in the event of further provocations.
Hotline Warnings and Authorised Retaliation
Ghai confirmed that another hotline message was sent to Pakistan on Monday morning, highlighting the violations and clearly warning of India’s intent to counter any repetition.
“The Chief of Army Staff has granted full authority to our army commander for counteraction,” Ghai announced, underscoring India’s preparedness for any escalation.
He stressed that while India has no intention to escalate, it will not tolerate any breach of military understanding, especially following Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Looking Ahead: May 12 DGMO Meeting
The DGMOs are expected to hold their next round of discussions on May 12 at 12:00 hrs, where they will explore modalities for long-term peace and mechanisms to prevent future violations.
Srivastava noted that while the current situation is precarious, a constructive engagement in the meeting could open a path to stabilizing relations, at least militarily, in the near term.
Conclusion
India’s stance remains clear—peace is preferable, but national security is non-negotiable. As the DGMO-level talks resume, all eyes will be on whether Pakistan abides by its commitments or continues to test India’s resolve.