Key points
- Military action could be both aerial and ground: report
- Pakistan warns India against any “misadventure”
- Vows crushing response
ISLAMABAD: Tensions between India and Pakistan show no signs of de-escalation following a raft of diplomatic measures against each other in the wake of the Pahalgam attack.
In retaliation for a slew of aggressive diplomatic actions by India, such as the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and visa services for Pakistani nationals, Pakistan has suspended all trade with its western neighbour, closed down its airspace for Indian airlines and shut down the Wagah border.
However, reports in the Indian media suggest that the Modi government is considering a range of military options.
Quoting a well-placed government source, The Indian Express reported that the government was discussing the nature of the strike inside Pakistan.
“There will be military retaliation and we are prepared. We are discussing the nature of the strike… Since 2019, we have taken a series of measures to modernise our weapons. We have the option of targeting the terrorists from within our territory,” the source was quoted as saying.
“Crushing response”
Pakistan has repeatedly warned India against any “misadventure” and vowed a “crushing response” if India chooses to violate its territorial integrity.
Lt General DS Hooda (Retired), former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, told The Indian Express that both options (a ground operation and aerial strike) were still on the table. “At this stage, the government has taken some pretty strong steps, particularly regarding the Indus Water Treaty. But I wouldn’t at this stage completely rule out the military option.”
Attack drones
“In fact, some targets can be taken out even from your side of the Line of Control. There is the use of attack drones that can be made. I know the Air Force has some attack drones,” said the retired Lt General.
“But it isn’t as if the use of ground forces is completely ruled out. You can use it in different ways. You can have different kinds of targets,” he said.
While he acknowledged that the Line of Control is “heavily guarded”, the terrain is such that “you can find, you can find some vulnerable points, vulnerable targets”. “I wouldn’t completely rule out,” he said.
