India-Pakistan tensions: PM Modi reviews security as US, China, and Saudi Arabia step in

Hours after India said Pakistan Army was seen moving its troops towards forward areas, indicating an offensive intent to further escalation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level national security review at his residence.

The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and three service chiefs.

PM reviewed India’s preparedness with armed forces in a high state of operational readiness, having successfully foiled all hostile actions proportionately.

The PM also took note of India’s response.

After Pakistan fired drones and missiles, launched fighter jets and high-speed missiles at India, climbing up the escalation ladder, Indian response hit targets in Pakistan.

These included bases Rahimyar Khan, Murid in Chakwal, Rafiqui in Jhang, and Sialkot.

The Indian response followed the first wave of civilian casualties in Pakistan attacks.

Also, the review by the PM came as the US intensified attempts at de-escalation and Pakistan said the option to go nuclear was not on the cards right now.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said today, “At the moment the nuclear option is not on the cards. However, if the situation comes up, the watchers will be affected as well," Asif told Geo News.

Meanwhile, the world intensified efforts to de-escalate tensions.

The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to both Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Foreign Minister today.

Jaishankar told Rubio that India’s approach has always been measured and responsible and remains so.

“Had a conversation with US @SecRubio this morning. India’s approach has always been measured and responsible and remains so," Jaishankar said on X.

The US State Department said Rubio emphasized that both sides need to identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation.

“He further proposed US support in facilitating productive discussions to avert future disputes," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

Rubio said both India and Pakistan need to identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation, proposing support in facilitating productive discussions to avert future disputes. He spoke separately with Jaishankar and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

China on Saturday strongly urged India and Pakistan to exercise calm and restraint and return to the track of peaceful settlement amid reports of escalation of the military conflict between the two neighbours.

“We strongly urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, exercise calm and restraint, return to the track of political settlement through peaceful means, and refrain from any action that could further escalate tensions," a statement by the spokesperson of the ministry said.

Saudi Arabia also early Saturday said it was making efforts to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan.

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