India-Pakistan Border Clashes Intensify Amid Diplomatic Standoff
India-Pakistan Border Clashes Intensify Amid Diplomatic Standoff
NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD - Tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan escalated dramatically today as both sides reported heavy cross-border firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region.
Indian defense officials confirmed that Pakistani troops violated ceasefire agreements in the Keran and Poonch sectors, prompting "strong and appropriate retaliation." Pakistan's military media wing claimed Indian forces initiated the clashes, killing two civilians in what they called "unprovoked aggression."
"This is the most serious escalation since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. Both armies have deployed additional troops to forward positions, and we're seeing heavy artillery exchanges across multiple sectors," said security analyst Col. (Retd.) Rajeshwar Singh.
Diplomatic Channels Frozen
The violence comes as diplomatic relations remain frozen, with no high-level talks between the nations since India's revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in August 2019. Pakistan's Foreign Office summoned the Indian charge d'affaires in Islamabad to protest what it called "deliberate targeting of civilians."
Meanwhile, India's External Affairs Ministry accused Pakistan of "state-sponsored terrorism" and providing cover for militants attempting to infiltrate the border. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern, urging both sides to "exercise maximum restraint."
Global Reactions
The United States State Department called for de-escalation, with spokesperson Ned Price stating: "We encourage both India and Pakistan to pursue dialogue and resolve differences peacefully." China, Pakistan's close ally, proposed mediation while emphasizing the need to "respect territorial sovereignty."
Markets reacted nervously to the developments, with India's Sensex dropping 1.2% and Pakistan's KSE-100 falling 1.8% in afternoon trading. Oil prices edged higher on concerns about regional instability.
As night fell, residents on both sides of the LoC reported continued shelling, with thousands taking shelter in bunkers. Both nations have placed their militaries on high alert, raising fears of further escalation in the coming days.