What Is It And How Crucial Is This Communication System During Tensions? News24 –
Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan are scheduled to talk over the military hotline on Monday, May 12. This marks the first formal conversation since the understanding of the ceasefire on May 10. DGMO of Indian Army, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai in the briefing yesterday, stated that the Indian Armed Forces on Sunday sent a “hotline message” to his Pakistani counterpart, highlighting “violation” of the understanding reached between the two militaries a day ago and India’s “firm and clear” intent to respond to these “fiercely and punitively” if repeated later.
In this article, we will explore what Hotline is and why high-level meeting takes places over hotline only. A hotline is a communication link between heads of states. This channel of communication allows explanation at levels below the head-of state. It helps to prevent misunderstanding, misperception, or miscommunication that could result in major crisis.
What Is Hotline?
India and Pakistan have a hotline system, which is the Islamabad–New Delhi hotline. This system allows direct communication between the leaders of India and Pakistan. According to reports the, line was established after the end of war in 1971. The hotline links the Prime minister’s Office in Islamabad via Directorate-General of Military Operations (DGMO) to Secretariat Building in New Delhi. It is rarely used by the military leadership of India and Pakistan.
Military hotlines allow secured and direct communication between the armed forces or defence authorities of two countries. The communication is established to de-escalate tensions, standoffs and prevent misunderstanding in areas like borders and airspace. It is often used to address ceasefire violations, accidental crossings, and unexpected troop movements. The communication over hotline involves senior military officials; in case of India it is Directors General of Military Operations. It takes place via secure lines that are monitored continuously. Some of the objectives behind having conversation over hotline are: Manage ceasefire violations, de-escalation in tensions, confidence-building measure, coordination for civilians.
India–Pakistan DGMO hotline, in the past have been used to discuss ceasefire violations and maintain communication across the Line of Control (LoC). The line established in 1971, was further strengthened through the Simla Agreement of 1972. The objective of hotline was to ensure a direct high-level military communication, especially in the conflict-prone region.
The India–Pakistan DGMO Hotline: A History
1991: The militaries of India and Pakistan used the hotline to work on confidence-building measures
1997: The second usage of the hotline was in 1997, when both countries informed each other on trade issues.
1998: When both countries had publicly conducted nuclear tests (Pokhran-II, Chagai-I & Chagai-II), the hotline was extensively used.
1999: Hotline was used during and after the conflict to de-escalate hostilities and declare military positions in Kargil War.
2003: First Ceasefire Agreement; hotline played an important role in maintaining the ceasefire along the LoC.
2016: Post-Uri Attack, DGMO-level talks were used to communicate messages regarding cross-border strikes.
2021: On February 25, 2021, DGMOs of both countries jointly agreed to strictly observe all ceasefire agreements.
Apr 30, 2025: DGMOs talked over the hotline to discuss the unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan.
May 10, 2025: Understanding on Ceasefire reached following Pakistan’s unprovoked firing after Operation Sindoor, which were retaliated swiftly.
Note: These dates are based on existing reports and records available in various sites, readers are however advised to verify them.
How Crucial Is This Communication System During War?
In light of the current situation along the Line of Control (LoC), direct communication between India and Pakistan has once again taken center stage. With ceasefire violations and cross-border allegations surfacing, the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations have resumed talks over the established military hotline. The communication becomes in determining the further course of action and diplomatic relations. Such dialogue becomes vital during periods of heightened military activity or misunderstanding. Notably, the understanding on ceasefire on May 10, was reached via direct calls only. After the ceasefire violation by Pakistan on Saturday, a “hotline message” was sent to them.
Earlier, during the briefing on ceasefire understanding, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had informed that DGMOs of both countries would resume talks on May 12.
“Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time. Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours,” stated Misri.
Who Are DGMOs?
DGMOs are Director General of Military Operations, a high ranking army officer who undertakes actions and oversees military planning and operations. In India the position is held by a Lieutenant General. Currently the incumbent officer in the position is Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, while Pakistan’s DGMO is Major General Kashif Abdullah.
Role Of The DGMO In India
One of the main aim that the DGMO works towards is the de-escalation of potential conflicts. To achieve this the officer remains in continuous contact with his counterparts in other countries. Beyond that the officer is also responsible for planning and executing military operations, that might include combat, transportation or any other necessary action that would impact the offences on the line of control. To ensure that the Armed Forces are always ready for any kind of operation is also a key part of their role.