Context:
- India and Pakistan have agreed to consider immediate measures for troop reduction from border and forward areas following recent military tensions.
- The decision was taken during talks between the Directors-General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries.
- This development is significant for GS Paper 2 (International Relations, Security) and GS Paper 3 (Internal Security, Defence Preparedness).
Key Highlights:
DGMO-Level Understanding
- The agreement builds upon the earlier DGMO understanding to stop all firing and military activity along the borders.
- Although the ceasefire understanding was initially breached by Pakistan, the situation has since stabilised:
- Guns fell silent
- No drone activity observed on Sunday night
- Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to not fire a single shot or initiate aggressive and inimical action.
Operational Military Readiness
- Director-General of Air Operations (DGAO), Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, stated:
- All Indian military bases and systems remain fully operational.
- India retains the capability to undertake further missions if required.
- Minor damages were reported, but no degradation of operational readiness.
Role of Air Defence Systems
- India’s integrated air defence grid successfully countered:
- Drones
- Loitering munitions
- Missiles launched by Pakistan between May 7 and May 10.
- Both modern and older, battle-proven air defence weapons played a crucial role in:
- Minimising damage to civilian infrastructure
- Protecting military installations
Tri-Services Coordination
- Lieutenant-General Rajiv Ghai, DGMO (Army), highlighted “total synergy between the three Services” during Operation Sindoor.
- Directors-General of Operations of the Army, Navy, and Air Force emphasised:
- Seamless coordination
- Effective joint command and control
- Integrated response across land, air, and maritime domains.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: De-escalation of India–Pakistan military tensions.
- Key Institutions:
- Directors-General of Military Operations (DGMO)
- Directors-General of Air Operations (DGAO)
- Operation Mentioned: Operation Sindoor.
- Defence Capability:
- Integrated air defence grid
- Use of drones, loitering munitions, and missile interception systems.
- Impact:
- Reduced risk of border escalation
- Reinforcement of deterrence and preparedness.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Security and IR Dimension:
- DGMO-level dialogue remains a critical military confidence-building mechanism (CBM) between India and Pakistan.
- Military Preparedness:
- Demonstrates India’s robust air defence capability and jointness among armed forces.
- Crisis Management:
- Shows calibrated response—de-escalation without compromising readiness.
- Governance and Defence Reforms:
- Highlights importance of tri-services integration, aligning with long-term defence reforms and theatre command concepts.
- Way Forward:
- Sustained military-to-military communication channels.
- Strengthening border CBMs alongside diplomatic engagement.
Continued investment in air defence modernisation and joint operations doctrine to deter future escalations.