India-Pakistan Ceasefire: Rajnath Urges IMF Review, Indus Treaty on Hold

As the fragile ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan nears its May 18 deadline, political and diplomatic statements continue to shape the ongoing standoff triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking from Bhuj Air Force Station in Gujarat—one of the key installations targeted during Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes last week—called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to rethink its financial aid to Pakistan. He argued that continued support to a nation that "harbours and finances terrorism" sends the wrong global message.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

"How can global institutions fund a regime that refuses to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil?" Singh questioned, while interacting with Air Force personnel in Bhuj. The Defence Minister’s remarks echo India’s growing frustration with Pakistan’s alleged backing of terror groups operating across the Line of Control (LoC).

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reinforced India’s hardened diplomatic stance, stating unequivocally that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)—which New Delhi suspended in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack—will remain in abeyance until Islamabad demonstrates concrete steps to curb cross-border terrorism. "Water talks cannot coexist with bloodshed," Jaishankar said during a press briefing.

Ceasefire Extension and Conditions

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on May 15 that the existing ceasefire has been extended until May 18, and reiterated Islamabad's willingness for a "composite dialogue" with India. However, Dar also warned that any attempt to permanently block Pakistan’s share of the Indus River waters would be considered an "act of war."

In response, Indian military sources clarified that the ceasefire agreement—originally brokered through Director General Military Operations (DGMO) level talks—is strictly limited to reducing immediate hostilities and does not constitute a political thaw.

Shehbaz Sharif’s ‘Peace’ Offer and Kashmir Link

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking from Kamra Air Base in Punjab province, once again extended an olive branch, stating, “We are ready to talk to India for peace.” However, he insisted that any resolution must involve discussions on the Kashmir issue—a precondition India flatly rejects.

India’s consistent position remains that all dialogue with Pakistan will be strictly bilateral, focusing solely on ending terrorism, without the involvement of third parties or unrelated agenda items.

Civilian Impact and Military Readiness

The brief four-day exchange of fire along the LoC earlier this month left dozens of civilians displaced and several injured in forward villages. The Indian Army has since begun implementing confidence-building measures to reduce border alert levels but maintains high operational readiness.

Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies have flagged rising tensions in border regions of Jammu & Kashmir, citing the need for longer-term conflict resolution to prevent escalation.