Its a first for the two nations India and Pakistan on Thursday said that they have agreed to cease the 2003 fire under a joint agreement. The agreement is in effect as of midnight.
The decision came after talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGsMO) over the established hotline on February 22.
There is a discussion by officials from the Military Operations directorate every Tuesday but the DGsMO speak only when one side requests a conversation.
However, Army sources re-emphasized that there would be “no let-up” in counter-terror operations as a result of the agreement, adding that the agreement with Pakistan was “an attempt to bring violence levels down”, but the Army retained the “right to respond” in case there is a terror attack in the future.
Pakistan’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs Moeed Yusuf called the agreement a “win” for Pakistan. He said the agreement followed “efforts behind the scenes”.
In a tweet, he denied that the talks were the result of “back-channel diplomacy” between him and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and had resulted from the “direct channel” between the DGsMO.Pakistan has continued to call for the 2003 ceasefire agreement to be honored and I am glad we have reached the understanding. It must be followed in letter and spirit. 3/4
— Moeed W. Yusuf (@YusufMoeed) February 25, 2021
I have seen claims by Indian media that attribute today's ceasefire announcement between Pakistani and Indian DGMOs to back-channel diplomacy between me and the Indian NSA. This is baseless. No such talks have taken place between me and Mr. Doval. 1/4
— Moeed W. Yusuf (@YusufMoeed) February 25, 2021