India's warning to Pakistan: 'Stop firing or face consequences'

NEW DELHI: Amid ongoing ceasefire violations by Pakistan, the chiefs of India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force have reaffirmed their readiness to respond to any escalation. The Navy has also issued a warning that any breach of the border will be met with strong retaliation. This announcement came while the Indian Navy continues military exercises in the Arabian Sea.

These exercises, involving warships and other forces, are said to be capable of shifting their nature at any moment. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi is personally overseeing the drills.

The Pakistani Navy is also conducting similar exercises about 85 nautical miles away. India’s military drill will conclude today. The Indian Army has increased its deployment along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border. In Uttar Pradesh, the Indian Air Force will conduct a demonstration using Rafale jets on the Ganga Expressway, which has been converted into a runway for the exercise on Saturday afternoon.

The Army and Air Force have been granted permission to use Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) like the Rudra, which had been grounded since January due to technical reasons. The Rudra, capable of destroying armoured vehicles and drones, is being redeployed in response to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The Ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, and External Affairs are closely monitoring the current situation. There have also been reports of gunfire in the Kupwara and Baramulla sectors.

Military build-up by Pakistan
On the other side of the border, Pakistan is bolstering its military presence, particularly along the Longowal sector in Rajasthan’s Barmer region, where radar systems and air defence weaponry have been installed. Reports suggest the presence of Chinese howitzers as well. The Pakistan Air Force is conducting various military exercises, including Fiza-e-Badr, Lalkar-e-Momin, and Zarb-e-Haidari, involving key fighter squadrons such as the F-16, J-10, and JF-17. Elements of Pakistan’s strike corps are also reportedly engaged in field training in various sectors.