In a significant development following a week of heightened military tensions, the Indian Army has announced the continuation of confidence-building measures (CBMs) with Pakistan. The announcement follows a mutual understanding reached during a meeting between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries on May 10, 2025. According to an official Army statement, the CBMs are aimed at reducing troop alertness levels in forward areas and preventing further escalation along the Line of Control (LoC).
The renewed commitment to CBMs comes on the heels of Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. The operation, involving missile strikes on targets across the border, resulted in significant casualties—26 dead and 46 injured, according to Pakistani officials—prompting Islamabad to label the strikes as an “act of war.”
Tensions were already high following Pakistan’s May 3 test of the Abdali Weapon System, a ballistic missile with a 450 km range. The launch, interpreted by Indian defence analysts as a signal of aggression, had set the stage for the confrontation that ensued.
However, a breakthrough was achieved on May 10 with the announcement of a U.S.-mediated ceasefire, confirmed by President Donald Trump. The ceasefire was followed by DGMO-level talks on May 12, during which both sides pledged to scale back their military deployments and work toward stabilizing the border.
Despite this diplomatic progress, India reported ceasefire violations shortly after the agreement, leading to a swift and stern retaliatory response by Indian forces. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned Pakistan’s actions and reiterated that peace cannot be sustained without complete cessation of cross-border terrorism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that while India remains committed to peace and dialogue, it will not tolerate any acts of aggression or terrorism sponsored from across the border. He reaffirmed the nation’s readiness to respond decisively to any provocation.
Concerns over new technological threats have also emerged, with Indian Army officials highlighting the deployment of Turkish-made drones by Pakistani forces. Unidentified drones were spotted over Jammu’s Samba and Punjab’s Jalandhar districts on May 13, though officials later stated that the situation had stabilized.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian cost of the recent conflict remains evident. Residents in three border districts of Kashmir have been relocated due to earlier shelling by Pakistani forces. The Indian Army has provided support to affected civilians, and efforts are ongoing to ensure their safety.
Security analysts caution that while the extension of CBMs is a welcome move, past experiences show that trust between India and Pakistan remains fragile. Previous agreements have frequently broken down amid accusations and violations.
The coming days and weeks will be crucial in assessing whether this latest effort to de-escalate can endure, or whether the region is once again on the brink of renewed confrontation.
