FROM PAGE 12

Islamabad categorically rejects the “provocative and inflammatory assertions” made by Modi on Monday.

“At a time when international efforts are being made for regional peace and stability, this statement represents a dangerous escalation,” it said in a statement.

“Pakistan remains committed to the recent ceasefire understanding and taking necessary steps towards de-escalation and regional stability,” it said, adding that any future aggression will also be met with full resolve.

Meanwhile, three suspected rebels were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir yesterday in a gun battle with soldiers, the Indian army said.

The clashes happened after the army’s special counter-insurgency force received information that militants were in Keller forest in the southern Kashmir valley, reports AFP.

A “search and destroy Operation” was launched leading to a clash, the army said on X. “During the operation, terrorists opened heavy fire and fierce firefight ensued, which resulted in elimination of three hardcore terrorists,” it said.

Earlier yesterday, Modi visited the Adampur air base near the border and repeated his warning to Pakistan as he addressed Indian Air Force personnel, posing with them for photographs.

“We will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism,” Modi said, referring to India’s response in the event of another attack.

“We will enter their dens and hit them without giving them an opportunity to survive,” he said.

Separately, the Indian foreign ministry said that the issue of trade did not come up in discussions with Washington during their conversations on the tensions with Pakistan.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump said the leaders of India and Pakistan were “unwavering”, and the US “helped a lot” to secure the ceasefire, adding that trade was a “big reason” why the countries stopped fighting.