Categories
India Condemns Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Test Plans as ‘Reckless Provocation’ Amid Rising Tensions
New Delhi:
India has strongly condemned Pakistan’s preparations for a ballistic missile test, describing the move as a “reckless act of provocation” and a dangerous escalation amid already heightened tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the proposed test is a part of a series of recent aggressive actions by Pakistan, including intensified naval exercises in the Arabian Sea and multiple ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
The escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan stem from the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, mostly tourists. In response, India has imposed a range of punitive measures against Pakistan, citing cross-border links to the terror attack. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and shutting down the only operational land border crossing at Attari.
Sources suggest that Pakistan is preparing to test-fire surface-to-surface ballistic missiles this week. “This is a reckless act of provocation and a dangerous escalation in its hostile campaign against India,” one source said. The planned missile test, taking place under volatile circumstances, is being viewed as a “blatant provocation” and a “desperate attempt to incite tensions” with India.
In addition to the missile test preparations, Pakistan has been engaging in a series of aggressive actions, such as issuing naval warnings, ramping up naval drills, and violating the ceasefire along the LoC. Between January and early April 2025, Pakistan violated the February 2021 ceasefire agreement around 15 times. However, the most intense exchange of fire occurred on Wednesday, when Pakistani troops targeted multiple Indian posts along the LoC and the international border, marking the largest cross-border exchange since the truce was re-established.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, gave India’s armed forces “complete operational freedom” to decide on the timing, mode, and targets of any response. Modi also reaffirmed India’s determination to deliver a “crushing blow to terrorism.”
In response to the rising tensions, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that while Pakistan would not escalate the situation further, it would respond strongly to any provocations by India. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the Pahalgam attack and called for an independent investigation into the incident.
Pakistan’s countermeasures against India include closing its airspace to Indian airlines and suspending all trade, including through third countries.
Also Read : PM Modi Criticizes Congress, Highlights Shashi Tharoor’s Appearance at Key Kerala Event
