India said it had attacked Pakistani military bases after Islamabad fired several high-speed missiles at Indian military airfields in Punjab state early this morning, but that it was giving up on further escalation if Pakistan responded in kind, the Associated Press reported, BTA writes.
At a press conference in New Delhi, Indian Colonel Sophia Qureshi said that Pakistan had also targeted health facilities and schools on Indian territory. "Pakistani actions have been befittingly responded to," she said, quoted by Reuters.
Indian Air Force spokesperson Vomika Singh, who was also present at the press conference, said Delhi was committed to "non-escalation, provided the Pakistani side reciprocates." At the same time, she said that a buildup of Pakistani ground forces has been observed along the shared border, "which indicates an intention for further escalation."
"The Indian armed forces remain on high operational alert," she added.
Singh said that the Indian armed forces have carried out "precision strikes only on identified military targets in response to Pakistan's actions."
Indian Foreign Ministry Principal Secretary Vikram Misri described the Pakistani military actions as a "provocation" and the Indian response as "measured."
The Pakistani military said that they used medium-range "Fath" missiles against an Indian missile depot and air bases in the cities of Pathankot and Udhampur.
The AP notes that it cannot independently confirm the actions attributed to Pakistan or India.
Pakistan's armed forces spokesman, Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif, said that Pakistani air force assets were safe after the Indian strikes.
"This is a provocation of the highest order," he said.
Pakistan state television reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had convened a meeting of the National Command, which is responsible for overseeing the country's missile and nuclear programs, as well as other strategic assets. Later, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said, quoted by Reuters, that there was no planned convening of the body.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir on Monday. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said Rubio continued to urge the two sides to "find ways to de-escalate" and offered US assistance in starting constructive talks to avoid future conflicts.
The G7 also called on India and Pakistan to "exercise maximum restraint". Yesterday, the organization warned that further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability.
Pakistan will consider peace if India stops military action, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, adding that he had told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio today, DPA reported.
Dar told the broadcaster “Geo News“ that “the ball is in India's court“.
“War is not our priority and we sincerely want peace, but without hegemony of any country“, said Dar, who is also the country's deputy prime minister.
Dar added that his talks this morning with world leaders, including Rubio and the Saudi foreign minister, had been “positive” and that he hopes that talks with India can begin.
When asked if there has been contact between the militaries of the two countries after the recent mutual attacks, Dar said that “messages have been exchanged“.