As of today, May 15, 2025, the news regarding India and Pakistan is centered around the aftermath of recent military tensions and diplomatic efforts. Here's a summary of the key developments:
Ceasefire and Confidence Building:
* Following a period of heightened military activity triggered by India's "Operation Sindoor" in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, a ceasefire was agreed upon between India and Pakistan on May 10th.
* The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries have agreed to continue with confidence-building measures to reduce alertness levels along the border. This decision was made following their understanding reached on May 10th.
* There are reports suggesting that the ceasefire has been extended until May 18th.
India's Stance:
* India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reiterated that any future talks with Pakistan will solely focus on terrorism. He emphasized that Pakistan needs to dismantle its terror infrastructure and act on the list of terrorists provided by India.
* Jaishankar also stated that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain on hold until Pakistan credibly stops cross-border terrorism.
* India has firmly refuted claims made by US President Donald Trump and his administration that the United States brokered the recent ceasefire. India maintains that the agreement was reached bilaterally through military-to-military channels.
* India has made it clear that discussions with Pakistan will not cover contentious issues like Kashmir or the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan's Perspective:
* Pakistan's Foreign Ministry had earlier accused Indian forces of initiating ceasefire violations. However, they stated that Pakistan remains committed to the ceasefire agreement and is handling the situation with responsibility and restraint.
* Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had expressed a positive response to the proposed ceasefire, stating it was in the larger interest of peace in the region and hoped for the resolution of outstanding issues, including Kashmir, through peaceful dialogue.
US Involvement (Disputed by India):
* US President Donald Trump has claimed that hostilities between India and Pakistan have been "settled" and credited his administration's efforts for brokering peace. He suggested that increased trade was offered in exchange for peace.
* However, India has strongly denied any US mediation or that trade incentives were part of the ceasefire talks.
Border Security and Related Incidents:
* India and Pakistan have exchanged border-guarding personnel who were captured by each other's forces.
* A Pakistani drone was recovered in Punjab by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police in a joint operation.
* Schools in Punjab border districts have reopened after being closed due to the recent military tensions.
Overall Situation:
* While a fragile peace prevails along the Line of Control (LoC), the Indian armed forces remain on "hot standby."
* Experts suggest that the recent escalation has potentially lowered the threshold for future conflict and that the situation remains sensitive with limited room for diplomacy.
In summary, the immediate news indicates a continuation of the ceasefire and confidence-building measures between India and Pakistan, although India maintains a firm stance on addressing terrorism before any broader dialogue can resume. The role claimed by the US in brokering the ceasefire has been refuted by India.
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