In a significant development in the Arabian Sea, both Pakistan and India are holding naval exercises almost simultaneously near each other’s maritime zones, while Pakistani army chief has vowed a telling response to any Indian ‘misadenture’ amid tensions over last week’s Kashmir killings.
The Indian Navy began its maritime drills on April 30 that will conclude on May 3 off the coast of Gujarat — maintaining a position around 85 nautical miles inside its maritime boundary.
Meanwhile, just across the sea, Pakistan is also carrying out its own naval exercises. Pakistan also began its exercises on April 30 which are set to conclude on May 2.
Under normal circumstances such military drills are considered a routine affair for both nations.
But coinciding timing and proximity of these exercises have drawn international focus in the aftermath of a terrorist Pahalgam town of the Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, killing 26 Indian tourists.
President Donald Trump‘s Administration has asked both countries to resolve the crisis and work toward long-term peace and security in South Asia.
An India Today report says these exercises have further intensified the tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
As per the newspaper report, the Indian Navy on Wednesday made a provocative statement by showcasing its maritime strength. Taking to its official X handle, the Navy posted, “Fueling the Maritime Might – No mission too distant, No Sea too vast (sic).”
In Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir on Thursday warned that any “misadventure” by India would be met with a quick and decisive response.
Since the Pahalgam incident, Pakistan and India have also traded fire across the Line of Control in Kashmir, which is divided between the two countries.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly granted “operational freedom” to his military.
Pakistan Army ‘s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, reported that Army Chief Munir made the remarks during a visit to Tilla Field Firing Ranges in Jhelum where he witnessed “Exercise Hammer Strike”, a high-intensity, field training exercise conducted by the military’s Mangla Strike Corps.
He reaffirmed the military’s “unyielding resolve” to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
“Let there be no ambiguity: any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute, and notch-up response. While Pakistan remains committed to regional peace, our preparedness and resolve to safeguard national interests is absolute,” he said, according to the ISPR.
Following April 22 attack in which gunmen massacred tourists, Indian Prime Minister vowed severe action against perpetrators of the attack.
“They have made the mistake of attacking the soul of India,” Modi said.
“Those who have planned and carried out this attack will be punished beyond their imagination.”
India has said the perpetrators of April 22 attack were linked to Pakistan. Islamabad has firmly denied the claims, saying New Delhi has not provided any evidence to support its allegation.
The tense exchanges and exacerbating situation has alarmed the international community with calls for restraint. The United States Thursday underscored the need for a “responsible solution” to the standoff.
