India-Pakistan top military officials to speak as ceasefire holds

India-Pakistan top military officials to speak as ceasefire holds

9 hours ago

Neyaz Farooquee

BBC News, Delhi

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Both India and Pakistan have ceased hostilities since they announced the ceasefire but say they remain vigilant

Top military officials from India and Pakistan have spoken on Monday to discuss finer details of the ceasefire agreed between them over the weekend.

The US-brokered ceasefire between the nuclear-armed neighbours appears to have held overnight after nearly four days of intense shelling and aerial incursions from both sides.

On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, saying "it was time to stop the current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many, and so much".

Both nations have ceased hostilities since then but say they remain vigilant, warning each other of the consequences of violating the ceasefire.

In a significant development, top military officials from India and Pakistan are set to hold talks amid a sustained ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. The dialogue marks a cautious step toward reducing tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, who have a long history of conflict over the disputed region.  

### **Ceasefire Holds, Talks Begin**  

The latest ceasefire agreement, brokered in February 2021, has largely held despite sporadic violations. Both sides have acknowledged the relative calm, paving the way for rare high-level military discussions. Sources indicate that the talks will focus on maintaining the truce, de-escalating border tensions, and possibly addressing humanitarian concerns in Kashmir.  

### **What’s on the Agenda?**  

While neither side has officially disclosed the agenda, experts suggest the discussions may include:  

- **Strengthening the ceasefire** – Ensuring long-term adherence to the 2021 agreement.  

- **Border protocols** – Establishing clearer rules to prevent accidental clashes.  

- **Kashmir tensions** – Addressing humanitarian issues, such as cross-border shelling impacts on civilians.  

### **Why Now?**  

The dialogue comes as both countries face internal and external pressures:  

- **India** is preparing for general elections in 2024, and stability at the border could benefit the ruling administration.  

- **Pakistan**, grappling with economic crises and political turmoil, may seek to ease military expenditures.  

- **International influence** – The U.S. and other powers have encouraged regional stability, particularly amid global conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza.  

### **Historical Context**  

India and Pakistan have fought three major wars since 1947, two over Kashmir. The LoC remains one of the world’s most militarized zones, with frequent skirmishes. The 2021 ceasefire was a rare breakthrough, but diplomatic relations remain frozen since India revoked Kashmir’s autonomy in 2019.  

### **Skepticism and Hope**  

Analysts remain cautious, noting that past ceasefires have collapsed due to militant attacks or political posturing. However, the sustained truce and backchannel diplomacy—including UAE-mediated talks—have fueled cautious optimism.  

### **What’s Next?**  

If the military talks succeed, they could pave the way for broader diplomatic engagement. However, experts warn that without political reconciliation, any progress may be temporary.