India-Pakistan Ceasefire Extended Till May 18
India and Pakistan have agreed to extend their current ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border till May 18, 2025. The decision follows escalating military tensions after the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor. The extension aims to create room for dialogue and reduce the chances of further conflict.
The move is being seen as a tactical pause in hostilities rather than a long-term breakthrough. Both sides remain alert and heavily deployed across border regions, especially in the aftermath of the precision strikes that reportedly caused significant damage to terror launchpads in Pakistan-occupied territory.
DGMOs to Meet for Peace Talks
As part of the ceasefire extension arrangement, the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations are scheduled to hold a crucial round of talks in the coming days. These discussions are expected to focus on reviewing ground-level troop activity, assessing ceasefire violations, and laying out protocols to avoid accidental escalations.
Sources indicate that the Indian side will raise concerns about infiltration attempts and the presence of active terror camps along the border. The Pakistani side is expected to press for de-escalation measures and relief from surveillance drone operations being carried out along the LoC.
This upcoming DGMO-level meeting will be a test of how far both countries are willing to go to maintain the fragile truce amid deep-rooted mistrust.
Rising Tensions Behind Ceasefire Extension
The backdrop to the ceasefire extension is a volatile security environment that intensified following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which 27 civilians were killed. India’s swift military response, dubbed Operation Sindoor, targeted terrorist infrastructure deep inside Pakistan’s territory, leading to brief but intense exchanges across the border.
The situation was further complicated by international reactions, with the United States reportedly mediating a temporary truce after Pakistan requested external intervention. While India has not publicly acknowledged foreign mediation, the coordinated timing of ceasefire talks and diplomatic outreach suggests quiet backchannel negotiations.
Strategic Pause or a Step Forward?
The extension of the ceasefire is being cautiously welcomed by strategic analysts and global stakeholders. However, many within India’s security establishment remain skeptical about Pakistan’s sincerity, citing past precedents where peace overtures were followed by renewed cross-border attacks.
Indian defence officials have made it clear that any further provocations will be met with firm retaliation. At the same time, the government is keeping diplomatic channels open to test whether this ceasefire can evolve into something more durable.
As the May 18 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the outcome of the DGMO meeting and whether it leads to concrete steps toward lasting peace—or merely buys time before the next flare-up.
