India, Pakistan military chiefs to discuss ceasefire next steps

The military operations chiefs of India and Pakistan will meet today to discuss the next steps for the nuclear-armed neighboring countries, following a ceasefire along the border that has seen the most severe clashes in approximately 30 years.

No explosions or missile attacks were reported overnight following initial ceasefire violations. The Indian army announced that Sunday marked the first peaceful night on the border in recent days, despite some schools remaining closed.

The Saturday ceasefire in the Himalayan region, announced by US President Donald Trump, followed four days of intense clashes and diplomatic initiatives.

A senior Indian army official stated that the Indian army had sent a “hotline” message to Pakistan on Sunday regarding the previous day’s ceasefire violations, informing New Delhi of its intention to respond to such incidents.

A Pakistan army spokesperson, however, maintained there were no violations.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced on Saturday that the Directors-General of Military Operations from both sides would meet on Monday at 12:00 PM (06:30 GMT).

Pakistan did not comment on the meeting plans.

After relations deteriorated when India blamed Pakistan for an attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists, the two former rival countries targeted each other’s military facilities with missiles and drones, leading to the deaths of dozens of civilians.

Pakistan denies the accusations and calls for an impartial investigation.

India announced on Wednesday that it had attacked nine “terror infrastructure” targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, though Islamabad stated these were civilian targets.

While Islamabad thanked Washington for its role in securing the ceasefire, it welcomed Trump’s offer to mediate the Kashmir dispute with India. However, New Delhi did not comment on US involvement in the ceasefire or talks to be held in a neutral location.

India, maintaining that disputes with Pakistan should be resolved directly between the neighboring countries, rejected any third-party intervention.

Hindu-majority India and Muslim Pakistan govern parts of Kashmir in the Himalayan region but claim sovereignty over the entire territory.

India accuses Pakistan of being responsible for the insurgency that began in its part of Kashmir in 1989, but Pakistan maintains it only provides moral, political, and diplomatic support to Kashmiri separatists.