New Delhi: The government today said that an Indian pilot was "missing in action" after an Indian Air Force aircraft shot down a Pakistani jet targeting military installations. Later, the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan was summoned this afternoon by the Ministry of External Affairs to lodge a strong protest at the "unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier today". The government has also strongly objected to Pakistan's "vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force" in violation of all norms of the Geneva Convention.
This was after Pakistan claimed in a statement that strikes across Line of Control are "from within Pakistani airspace." The allegations reflect the escalation of hostilities a day after the Indian fighter jets went within Pakistan and destroyed a terror training camp.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is meeting with top officials including Advisor Ajit Doval, the Defence and Foreign Secretaries and intelligence officials. A Pakistani F-16 aircraft crashed on its own territory, in the Lam Valley area along the Indian air space in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri sectors.
Amid increasing tension, the entire airspace north of Delhi has been vacated, official sources said, according to news agency Press Trust of India.
Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, in a visit to China, said India wants to avoid any "further escalation of the situation" and will "continue to act with responsibility and restraint".
The US asked Pakistan to take "meaningful action" against terror groups, with the Donald Trump administration calling for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid heightened tension between the two.
Here are the Updates on Indian Air Force's (IAF) strike on Jaish terror camp in Pakistan
Feb 27, 2019 22:58 (IST)
Security was stepped up at the sensitive Paradip Port on Wednesday following escalation of tension between India and Pakistan, officials told the news agency PTI .
"We are keeping a constant vigil on the crew members of ships landing at the port here. The crew members who want to go outside the port area are being thoroughly checked," said immigration officer at the port, Manas Ranjan Das.
Feb 27, 2019 22:26 (IST)
IAF air strike Pakistan: European Union Warns Over India-Pak Tension
The European Union has said that the rising tension between India and Pakistan has the potential to lead to "dangerous consequences" for the two countries and the wider region and called for utmost restraint.
European Union Commission Vice President Federica Mogherini said in a statement, "Following the recent terrorist attack in Pulwama, tensions along the ''Line of Control'' between India and Pakistan have escalated militarily during the last days. This has the potential to lead to serious and dangerous consequences for the two countries and the wider region."
Feb 27, 2019 22:20 (IST)
IAF Air Strike Balakot: "Let The Country Speak In One Voice": Arun Jaitley To Opposition
"The Cross Border terror attack in Pulwama was a reality. The Balakot Operation was India's Anti- Terror preemptive strike to defend its Sovereignty. The whole nation has spoken in one voice. Why, then is India's opposition alleging that the Government is politicising our Anti-Terror Operations. My appeal to India's opposition - "Let the country speak in one voice". Please introspect - 'Your ill advised statement is being used by Pakistan to bolster its case'," Arun Jaitley in a series of tweets.
Feb 27, 2019 22:15 (IST)
Due to the closure of Pakistani airspace by its government, Air Canada has temporarily suspended service to India.
One flight en route to Delhi today has turned back over the Atlantic Ocean and is returning to Toronto, while a second flight from Vancouver to Delhi today has been cancelled.
Feb 27, 2019 21:33 (IST)
We have not yet received any instructions from the authorities about any change to the current running of the Samjhauta Express, we will follow whatever directions are received in this regard: Railway Minister Piyush Goyal quotes as saying by news agency ANI
Feb 27, 2019 21:09 (IST)
I hope saner counsels will prevail between leadership of India, Pakistan: Ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh
Feb 27, 2019 20:11 (IST)
Air Strike in Pakistan: Sri Lanka Releases Statement
"As a country that has suffered from the scourge of terrorism for nearly three decades, Sri Lanka has unequivocally condemned this terrorist attack in Pulwama and stands firmly by the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Sri Lanka strongly supports peace and stability in the South Asia region and all endeavours towards the diffusion of tensions, including the resolution of bilateral problems through dialogue and building confidence": Sri Lanka
Feb 27, 2019 20:04 (IST)
Army personnel deployed at sensitive locations in Mumbai along with local police in view of increased tensions on the India-Pakistan border: Sources told news agency PTI
Feb 27, 2019 19:30 (IST)
UK is deeply concerned about rising tensions between India and Pakistan and urgently calls for restraint on both sides to avoid further escalation. We're in regular contact with both countries, urging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability: UK Prime Minister Theresa May
Feb 27, 2019 19:09 (IST)
PM Modi Chairs High Level Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired a high level meeting in Delhi. He has met the three services chiefs, along with National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.
Feb 27, 2019 19:04 (IST)
In the air strike, neither the Pakistani civilians were hurt nor the Pakistan Army was targeted. Our Air Force soldiers carried out the strike with caution. Despite this, Pakistan has been trying to defame India: Home Minister Rajnath Singh quoted as saying by PTI
Feb 27, 2019 18:49 (IST)
IAF Strikes in Pakistan: India Confirms Air Force Pilot Is In Pakistan Custody
India has confirmed that an Air Force pilot is in Pakistan's custody. "India also strongly objected to Pakistan's vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention. It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return," a Ministry of External Affairs statement said.
Feb 27, 2019 18:45 (IST)
Pakistan's chief military spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor has said that the Pakistani army currently had only one downed Indian pilot in custody, having previously said two pilots had been captured, one of whom was wounded."There is only one pilot under Pakistan Army's custody," Major General Asif Ghafoor said.
Feb 27, 2019 18:25 (IST)
IAF Air Strike Pakistan: Russia Issues Statement
"We express our serious concern about the aggravation of the situation along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan and the outbreak of tensions between friendly states. We call on both sides to show restraint and step up efforts to resolve existing problems by political and diplomatic means": Russia
Feb 27, 2019 17:46 (IST)
"National Security Must Transcend Narrow Politics," Says Opposition
Feb 27, 2019 17:37 (IST)
IAF Air Strike: Opposition Alleges "Politicization Of Sacrifices"
"The meeting of 21 parties expressed their deep anguish over the blatant politicization of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces by leaders of the ruling party. National security must transcend narrow political considerations": Congress president Rahul Gandhi read out a joint statement .
