What Lies Ahead: India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate After Pahalgam Attack
India Responds to Pakistan's Escalation
New Delhi: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated on Thursday that the responsibility for de-escalation lies with Pakistan, following the recent Pahalgam terror attack that escalated tensions between the two nations. He emphasized that India's response was limited to Operation Sindoor, a reaction to the attack that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, primarily tourists.
During a media briefing, Misri highlighted that the escalation originated from Pakistan, specifically referencing the April 22 incident. He reiterated, "Our approach is not to escalate the situation; we merely responded to the Pahalgam attack."
Regarding the ongoing tensions, he remarked, "The choice for de-escalation rests with Pakistan, as they initiated the escalation."
Misri also pointed out that during a recent UNSC meeting, Pakistan objected to the mention of the terror group The Resistance Force (TRF), despite its claim of responsibility for the Pahalgam attack.
He noted that Pakistan's retaliatory actions have adversely affected civilians, particularly due to cross-border firings along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
Misri stated, "Pakistan's image as a hub of global terrorism is well-established, given its history of various terrorist incidents worldwide," adding that the country has engaged in cross-border terrorism against India for many years.
He clarified that India's military actions on Wednesday were measured and targeted specifically at terrorist infrastructure.
In retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, Indian forces conducted missile strikes on terror targets, including Bahawalpur, known as a base for the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) group.
On Thursday, the defense ministry reported that the Pakistani military attempted to target several locations, including Awantipura and Srinagar, but these efforts were thwarted, resulting in the destruction of a Pakistani air defense system in Lahore.
Misri further accused Pakistan of intentionally obstructing progress on the Indus Waters Treaty over the years.