Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a stern warning that any future terrorist attack against India will be met with a strong response. His statement follows four days of heightened military activity between India and Pakistan, including cross-border shelling and aerial operations.
“This may not be a time for war, but it certainly cannot be a time for terrorism,” Modi stated during his first public address since the recent escalation. The tensions were triggered by a deadly militant assault in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people. India holds a Pakistan-based group responsible, a claim that Islamabad denies.
Ceasefire:
A ceasefire, brokered by the United States over the weekend, has so far been maintained, though both countries continue to monitor the situation closely.
“If India is targeted again by terrorism, our response will be resolute,” Modi declared on Monday. He also emphasized that dialogue and violence cannot go hand in hand, echoing sentiments reportedly shared by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had conditioned trade on peace efforts between the two nations.
Modi also referred to the India-Pakistan water treaty, stating, “Water and blood cannot flow together,” signaling India’s intent to reconsider bilateral cooperation in key areas if terrorism continues.
Pakistan Narrative:
Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that his nation had acted with restraint and responsibility. “Our honor and dignity are more valuable than life itself,” he said, while expressing hope that water disputes could still be resolved through diplomacy.
Earlier in the day, senior military leaders from both countries met to discuss the ceasefire’s implementation. According to the Indian military, both sides agreed to avoid aggressive maneuvers and consider troop reductions along the border areas.
India also announced the reopening of 32 civilian airports that were shut over security concerns during the escalation.
Nuclear-armed neighbors:
This episode marks another chapter in the long-standing conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, who have fought multiple wars over the disputed Kashmir region, claimed in full by both but controlled in parts.
At the height of the conflict, fears of a broader war loomed as neither side initially appeared willing to de-escalate. Dozens of casualties were reported on both sides due to intense shelling near the Line of Control (LoC).
India report:
On May 7, India reported carrying out strikes on nine targets within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 militant attack in Pahalgam. Both nations later claimed to have bombed military installations and shot down each other’s drones and aircraft.
India stated it had hit 11 Pakistani air bases and neutralized around 100 militants at nine alleged training camps. Pakistan, for its part, claimed it had struck 26 Indian military sites and flown drones near New Delhi.
Confirmation:
While both sides have confirmed the landing of projectiles on their territories, several claims remain unverified. Pakistan asserted that it downed five Indian aircraft, including three French-built Rafales, a claim India has neither confirmed nor denied, only noting that losses are inevitable in combat.
Pakistan also denied capturing an Indian pilot, countering rumors following reports of an aircraft crash.
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