India-Pak tension LIVE Updates: Pakistani reporters and troops visit the site of an Indian airstrike in Jaba, near Balakot, Pakistan, Tuesday. (AP/PTI Photo)
India-Pakistan LIVE Updates: The Indian Army, Air Force and Navy will hold a joint press briefing at 5 pm on Thursday on the security situation between India and Pakistan. Tensions between the two countries heightened Wednesday after Pakistan violated India’s airspace in response to India’s counter-terrorism operation against Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Balakot. Following an aerial engagement, an Indian pilot was captured by the Pakistan Army.
India has demanded the immediate release of Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan and has “made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel”.
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India-Pak tension LIVE Updates: In this photo released by the PMO, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security in New Delhi Tuesday, following the Indian Air Force’s strike on a terror camp in Balakot.
Talking about the tensions between India and Pakistan, US President Donald Trump said, "We may have some reasonably decent news from India and Pakistan." Trump was talking in Vietnam where he was there to attend a meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un
Thiruvananthapuram MP and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor says the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will brief the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on the current situation with Pakistan at its meeting on Friday afternoon. The three-member committee is headed by Tharoor.
Addressing BJP booth workers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "India is grateful to all those who are protecting the nation. India will live as one, will work as one, will grow as one, will fight as one and will one as one."
The IAF pilot is a reminder that conflict between nations has a terrible human toll, that it is a price that is always too high to pay. It is a cost, moreover, that imposes a duty on all — government, political leaders, media and civil society — to speak carefully and act with sobriety. It needs to be recognised that the events over the last couple of days may be the beginning of a long haul and that in these times, every step has consequences.
Read The Indian Express' editorial today
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed "deep concern" over the escalating tension between India and Pakistan and has called on both sides to take steps for a "meaningful mutual engagement", reports PTI.
The Indian Express has learnt that US Secretary Of State Mike Pompeo spoke to foreign minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday while Admiral Philip Davidson, Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command, spoke with Admiral Sunil Lanba, the Indian Navy Chief. Sources said that US Ambassador to India, Ken Juster also engaged with foreign secretary Gokhale. Similar engagements were also done with Islamabad by the US administration on Wednesday.
The talking points with both sides included calls for restraint and de-escalation. The US official also asserted that Pakistan must do more to counter terrorism.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke separately with the India and Pakistan foreign ministers on Wednesday and urged them to "prioritise direct communication and avoid further military activity".
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman caught in Pakistan is the son of retired Air Marshal Simhakutty Varthaman. According to defence portal bharat-rakshak.com, Abhinandan was commissioned as a fighter pilot on June 19, 2004. It is learnt that he had recently completed his training at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, Tamil Nadu. The course trains officers from all three services for command and staff appointments.
Abhinandan is married, and his mother is a doctor. His father has been honoured with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), a military award for “most exceptional order” in peace-time service. Read more
Former Karnataka CM B S Yeddyurappa said Balakot strike has created a wave in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will help the party win over 22 of 28 seats in the state in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
“The atmosphere….day by day the wind is increasingly blowing in favour of BJP. Yesterday’s action of destroying terror hideouts by entering inside Pakistan has resulted in a pro-Modi wave in the country, the results of which can be seen in coming Lok Sabha polls,” PTI quoted Yeddyurappa as saying. The BJP leader also said, “It has enthused youths; all this will help us in winning more than 22 Lok Sabha seats (in Karnataka).”
A Union Cabinet meeting will be held Thursday at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.
The Pakistani government has said the Samjhauta Express has been temporarily suspended on Thursday -- it runs on Mondays and Thursdays -- in view of the "prevailing tensions between Pakistan and India". It added that operations will resume when the security situation improves. According to Dawn, 16 passengers were to board the train today.
Union minister VK Singh says Wing Commander Abhinandan, who is in Pakistan's custody, is mentally tough and a selfless and courageous soldier. "During these testing times the country stands, as one, behind him & his family. Our efforts are on and under the Geneva Convention we hope that the brave pilot would return home soon," he adds.
The US, UK and France have moved a fresh proposal in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to ban Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar, reports news agency PTI. JeM had claimed responsibility of the Pulwama attack which killed 40 CRPF personnel on February 14. The proposal is reportedly the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist — India had moved one in 2009, and then again in 2016 with the P3 (US, UK and France), before the P3 nations' last proposal in 2017.
According to the spokesperson of the Defence Ministry Lt Colonel Devender Anand, the firing in Krishna Ghati stopped by 7 am.
The US, the UK and France have moved a fresh proposal asking the UN Security Council to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, PTI reported. This listing will subject him to global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo.
After fresh ceasefire violation Thursday, Indian Army is retaliating to Pakistan firing in Krishna Ghati area of Poonch.
According to intelligence reports, the Jaish-e-Mohammad training camp in Balakot was used for radicalisation by showing propaganda videos on the IC 814 hijacking and the 2002 Godhra riots. A mosque was being used as a cover for it, sources said a day after the facility was destroyed in a “non-military” strike by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The facilities at the camp were spread over an area of six acres and comprised five-six buildings with a capacity to accommodate more than 600 people, they added. Read more...
The 1949 Geneva Conventions are a set of international treaties that ensure that warring parties conduct themselves in a humane way with non-combatants such as civilians and medical personnel, as well as with combatants no longer actively engaged in fighting, such as prisoners of war, and wounded or sick soldiers. All countries are signatories to the Geneva Conventions. Read more...
As Pakistan released videos of the pilot in its custody, the chain of events complicated the escalation ladder between the two nuclear-armed countries. By handing over a “dossier” to Pakistan with specific details of Jaish-e-Mohammad’s complicity in the Pulwama terror attack and the presence of its terror camps in Pakistan, India conveyed that it expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control. This was a clear answer to Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s repeated statements that India should give Pakistan actionable intelligence. Read more...
Soon after, New Delhi conveyed to Islamabad that “no harm” should come to the pilot and the Pakistan Army reportedly indicated it will ensure “humane treatment”, a video of the pilot having a cup of tea was released to convey to New Delhi that the pilot was safe. Sources said that while the 1949 Geneva Convention on treatment of prisoners of war guides treatment of military personnel in each other’s custody, there is an informal understanding between Pakistan and Indian Armies — as well as BSF and Pakistan’s Rangers. Read more...
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at the Opposition for saying that the government was 'politicising the sacrifices made by the armed forces' and said it is important for India "to speak in one voice". Taking to Twitter, Jaitley said, "The Cross Border terror attack in Pulwama was a reality. The Balakot Operation was India’s Anti- Terror preemptive strike to defend its Sovereignty. The whole nation has spoken in one voice. Why then is India’s opposition alleging that the Government is politicising our Anti-Terror Operations. My appeal to India’s opposition - “Let the country speak in one voice”. Please introspect - “Your ill-advised statement is being used by Pakistan to bolster its case."
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was quoted as saying by PTI, "I hope saner counsels will prevail between the leadership of India and Pakistan."
Handing over a dossier to the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan on "specific details" of the involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammad in the Pulwama terror attack, the MEA said, "A dossier was handed over to Pakistan side with specific details of JeM complicity in Pulwama terror attack and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan. It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control."
The alleged capture on Wing Commander Abhinandan, if true, is a grim reminder of the Kargil war when flight lieutenant K Nachiketa was taken prisoner by the Pakistan Army on May 27, 1999 following ejection from his MiG-27 aircraft after suffering engine flame-out. He was subsequently sent back to India eight days later after being interrogated by the authorities. Upon his capture by Pakistani Northern Infantry, Nachiketa was subjected to intense thrashing before a senior officer intervened and ordered his men to back off. Following intense backdoor efforts by the Indian government, Nachiketa was handed over to the Red Cross that brought him back to India where he was greeted by President K R Narayanan and Prime Minister Vajpayee as a hero. Read full story here.
Condemning the capture of Wing Commander Abhinandan, MEA said, "India also strongly objected to Pakistan’s vulgar display of injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention. It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return."
Lodging a protest with the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in the national capital over the "unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India", the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the "violation of the Indian air space by Pakistan Air Force and targeting of Indian military posts". In a statement released later, the government said, "It is unfortunate that instead of fulfilling its international obligation and bilateral commitment to take credible action against terrorist entities and individuals operating from its soil, Pakistan has acted with aggression against India."
Taking to Twitter, Pakistan Armed Forces spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor said only one Indian pilot is under Pakistan Army's custody.
Expressing "deep anguish over the blatant politicisation of sacrifices of armed forces by ruling party", the Opposition in its statement said, "National security must transcend narrow political considerations. The leaders observed that the Prime Minister has, regrettably, not convened an all-party meeting as per the established practice in our democracy."
Addressing the media, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said, "The meeting of leaders of 21 political parties condemned the dastardly Pulwama attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed on 14th February 2019 and lauded the action taken by our armed forces."
In the wake of the ongoing tension, India has summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner to protest against the attack by Pakistan Air Force on Indian military installations earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Railway sources told The Indian Express that no instructions have been issued to stop Samjhauta Express from New Delhi due for departure tonight. "Twenty-six passengers have booked their tickets- four in AC, 22 in non-AC," sources said. Officials cited the 'prevailing situation' as the reason behind the drop in the number of passengers.
Noting that all wars are miscalculated, and no one knows where they lead to, Khan said that better sense must prevail and the two sides should act with wisdom. "I ask India: with the weapons you have and the weapons we have, can we really afford a miscalculation? If this (situation) escalates, it will no longer be in my control or in (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi's," Khan said. "Let's sit together and settle this with talks," he added.
In a live TV address, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan claimed that two Indian MiGs had crossed the LoC and were shot down. "It was our plan to not cause any collateral damage, and not to cause any casualties. We simply wanted to show capability. Two Indian MiGs crossed Pakistan’s Borders, and we shot them down. I want to now address India and say let sanity prevail."
Expressing concerns over the tension between the two nations, Nepal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement said, "The Government of Nepal is concerned about the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attack on security convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14, 2019. As current Chair of SAARC, Nepal calls on both sides to exercise utmost restraint and not engage in actions that would threaten peace and security in the region; also urges them to seek a solution through dialogue and peaceful means in order to ease tension."
On Pakistan's claims that Wing Commander Abhinandan is in their custody, the MEA spokesperson said that India is verifying the report.
Air Vice Marshal R G K Kapoor and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar have begun addressing the media on the Indo-Pak tension. Speaking on India's air strikes at a JeM camp on Tuesday, Kumar said, "Pakistan has responded to the airstrikes by targeting the Indian side but their efforts were foiled successfully. The Indian Air Force responded. One Pakistani aircraft was shot down by the Indian forces."
Flight services across seven airports, including Jammu, Leh and Srinagar, have resumed.
The Indian media will be briefed at 3:15 pm this afternoon. Stay tuned.
The Indian Express has learnt that US President Donald Trump is likely to make personal telephone calls to the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan to take strong steps to defuse tensions between the two nuclear neighbours. US officials in Washington told The Indian Express that President Trump, who is currently busy negotiating with North Korea in Vietnam, has been strongly advised by senior diplomats to urgently make the calls due to fears of escalation after Pakistan claimed that it had conducted air strikes in J&K. This followed India's airstrike on a JeM terror camp at Balakot on Tuesday.
Phone lines are already buzzing between Washington and Delhi, with increased pressure on the Indian government to open direct lines of communication between NSA Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will address the nation shortly.
Sticking to its stance, China reiterated its position Wednesday regarding growing tensions between India and Pakistan and continued to call for "restraint" from both countries. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said: "China's position is clear. We hope the two countries can exercise restraint, engage in dialogue and take action to ensure peace and stability in the region."
Meanwhile, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) Wednesday approved acquisition of defence equipment for about Rs 2,700 crore, sources told PTI. The council granted approval for procurement of three cadet training ships for the Indian Navy, which would be utilised to provide basic sea training for officer cadets including women officer undertrainees.
Entire airspace north of Delhi vacated, sources told news agency PTI. Earlier today, five airports including Srinagar, Leh and Jammu were closed for civilian flights. “The civilian air traffic has been suspended temporarily in view of the emergency," an Airport Authority of India official was quoted as saying.
An IAF combat air patrol (CAP) of MiG29 aircraft was immediately put up in the air to engage the Pakistani aircraft. Two MiG29 aircraft were claimed to have been shot down by Pakistan, with one wreckage falling on the Indian side and the other on the Pakistani side of LoC. News agency PTI has reported that a Pakistani F16 was shot down in the engagement. There has been no official confirmation of the engagement from the government.
The Indian Express has learnt that a complement of Pakistan Air Force aircraft, presumably comprising Mirages, F16s and JF17s, crossed over to the Indian side of LoC in Rajauri-Naushera sector. This attack happened at around 10 am, and Pakistani bombs missed the targets which seemed to be an ammunition point, a supply point, a brigade headquarters and a battalion headquarters in the area.
The Pakistan Army has released a video in which an IAF commander is identifying himself as Wing Commander Abhinandan.
The Taliban said the ongoing clashes between India and Pakistan would impact the Afghan peace process and asked India to refrain from further military action after the Balakot strike. "The continuation of such conflict will affect the Afghanistan peace process," Taliban Spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement.
The Taliban issued the statement at the same time that its leaders are holding talks with US officials in Qatar aimed at bringing an end to the 17-year war in Afghanistan. - Reuters
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is holding a meeting to review border security with NSA Ajit Doval, Intelligence Bureau chief and DGs of border guarding forces. The level of threat has been scaled up on all borders and a high alert sounded on western border with Pakistan.
A defence source, speaking to PTI, has said there was no damage to any IAF aircraft.
Flight services have been disrupted in India. Srinagar, Jammu and Leh airports have been closed for civilian air traffic, reported PTI. An official from the Airport Authority of India was quoted as saying: “The civilian air traffic has been suspended temporarily in view of the emergency." A DGCA source told The Indian Express that international flights have been affected too.
AP Acharya, Amritsar Airport Director has been quoted by ANI as saying the airspace at Amritsar has been closed. "Due to operational reasons, the airspace at Amritsar has been closed for now. No commercial flights are coming to Amritsar, there is no base here, so flights are not even taking off from here."
High-level sources in Jammu and Kashmir have confirmed that three Pakistan F-16s crossed the LoC briefly on Wednesday morning. There was also an attempt made to hit an ammunition dump in the region, but there was no damage.
Meanwhile, a top official was quoted by PTI as saying: "Jets entered into Indian air space over Nowshera sector this morning." The official added that they were immediately pushed back by Indian jets on air patrol.
A statement from the Pakistan Foreign Ministry Wednesday claimed the Pakistan Air Force undertook strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) from within Pakistani airspace. "Pakistan has taken strikes at non-military target, avoiding human loss and collateral damage", the statement read, adding that the "sole purpose being to demonstrate our right, will and capability for self defence”.
"We have no intention of escalation, but are fully prepared to do so if forced into that paradigm. That is why we undertook the action with clear warning and in broad daylight," it added. "For the last few years, India has been trying to establish what they call 'a new normal' a thinly veiled term for doing acts of aggression at whatever pretext they wish on a given day.”