Air Chief meets PM Modi as India-Pak border tensions simmer

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday and is understood to have discussed the security situation.

Heavy firing at LoC

Pakistani troops continued unprovoked firing in different sectors along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir late on Saturday night, prompting effective retaliation by the Army

This was the 10th consecutive night of unprovoked firing from across the border in J&K, amid heightened tensions following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam

This comes just a day after Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi apprised the Prime Minister on the overall situation in the critical sea lanes in the Arabian Sea.

The meetings hold significance as the last major terror attack in Pulwama in February 2019 was met with a swift response from the IAF, which carried out airstrikes on Balakot in Pakistan. Since then, the IAF’s capabilities in long-range missiles and air defence have significantly strengthened. The Rafale jets, inducted after Balakot, are equipped with precision-guided missiles, while the Russian-made S-400 air defence system can track and target multiple threats simultaneously.

During his meetings with the IAF Chief and the Navy Chief, the Prime Minister is likely reviewing various strategic options India could consider in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.

In a high-level meeting with the top defence brass, PM Modi on last Tuesday gave the armed forces “complete operational freedom” to decide on the mode, targets and timing of the response to the Pahalgam attack. Modi also emphasised the national resolve to deal a “crushing blow to terrorism”.

A day after the attack, India announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties.

India also imposed a complete ban on imports of all goods from Pakistan with immediate effect on the grounds of national security and public policy. New Delhi also suspended all postal services from Pakistan and banned entry of Pakistani-flagged ships at Indian ports.

Earlier this week, US Vice-President JD Vance, in an interview with Fox News, stated, “We hope that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn’t lead to a broader regional conflict.” He also advised Pakistan, saying, “Frankly, we also hope that Pakistan, to the extent it is responsible, cooperates with India to ensure that terrorists, who sometimes operate from its territory, are hunted down.”

India