NEW DELHI, May 3: India has condemned Pakistan’s recent test launch of a ballistic missile, viewing it as a “blatant” act of provocation amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The Pakistani military announced the successful launch of the Abdali surface-to-surface missile, which has a range of 450 kilometers. While Pakistan indicated it had informed India prior to the test in compliance with international norms, sources in New Delhi categorized the launch as a “desperate attempt” to heighten tensions.
This military exercise coincides with ongoing instability between the nations, particularly in light of the April 22 attack, which has led to accusations from India regarding cross-border connections to the violence. India has pledged severe repercussions for those responsible for the attack. In response to the threat, global powers, including the United States and the European Union, have urged both countries to de-escalate hostilities and condemned the terrorism.
In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, tensions have spiked, with reports indicating that Pakistan has intensified naval drills in the Arabian Sea and engaged in numerous ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian officials assert that those behind the attack, as well as their supporters, must face justice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a high-level defense meeting, granted the armed forces authority to determine the timing, targets, and methods of India’s potential response.
Echoing the rising tensions, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a stern warning regarding any construction on the Indus River that could violate the Indus Waters Treaty, which has been temporarily suspended following the recent terror incident. Asif stated, “If any structure is built, we will strike it,” framing such actions as an act of “Indian aggression” that could exacerbate humanitarian issues like water scarcity. He has indicated that Pakistan will seek to address these concerns through available diplomatic channels.
Amid this fraying relationship, India has imposed a ban on imports from Pakistan and restricted the entry of Pakistani vessels into its ports. This punitive action comes alongside suspensions of mail and parcel exchanges between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi has emphasized a commitment to decisive measures against terrorism and its enablers.
In a related matter, Sri Lankan authorities conducted a security search on a flight arriving from Chennai due to a tip-off regarding a suspect linked to the Pahalgam attack. The thorough search was executed at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport, ensuring heightened security in light of the ongoing crisis.
As tensions remain high in the region, the two countries continue to grapple with the fallout from the recent terror attack, underscoring a complicated and potentially volatile geopolitical landscape. The world watches closely as both nations navigate this challenging period, with implications that extend beyond their borders.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/05/04/pakistan-test-fires-ballistic-missile-new-delhi-sore/
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Publish Date: 2025-05-04 02:35:00
