India has issued a strong warning to Pakistan, stating it will respond to any escalation in tensions "proportionally and in exactly the same light." This comes after a series of violent incidents in the region, including a recent attack that left 26 tourists dead in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
In response to this violence, India conducted missile strikes targeting what it described as "terrorist infrastructure" in Pakistan and parts of Kashmir administered by Islamabad. The strikes were said to be precise and focused on preventing further military escalation. India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, emphasized that the original escalation was due to attacks by Pakistan-sponsored terror groups on civilians.
On the other hand, Pakistan has denied involvement in the recent attacks and claimed that the sites hit by India were not militant bases. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has vowed that India will "pay the price" for what he called a "blatant mistake." Skirmishes have also been reported along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between the two nations.
Doraiswami stated that India’s military actions were necessary to address the threats posed by Pakistan and its allies. He acknowledged Pakistan’s claims of shooting down Indian aircraft but suggested that it was an attempt to save face rather than a reflection of reality. He remarked that Pakistan had chosen to escalate the situation instead of seeking a peaceful resolution.
The high commissioner reiterated that India is not looking for further conflict but will respond in kind if provoked. He pointed out that artillery fire from Pakistan has been ongoing for the past 15 days, leading to civilian casualties.
This latest round of tensions highlights the longstanding and volatile relationship between India and Pakistan, particularly over the disputed territory of Kashmir. Both countries have a history of conflict and military confrontations, and the situation remains delicate as both sides prepare for possible further actions.