DE News Desk :
Pakistan on Tuesday reiterated its commitment to the recently brokered ceasefire with India following last week’s intense cross-border hostilities but cautioned that any future aggression from New Delhi would be met with “full resolve.”
The statement from Islamabad came in direct response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national address on Monday, during which he vowed to target “terrorist hideouts” across the border if new attacks occurred on Indian soil — dismissing what he referred to as “nuclear blackmail.”
Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours escalated sharply after India launched strikes on what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, in retaliation for an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22 that killed 26 Hindu pilgrims.
In response, Pakistan targeted what it said were Indian military installations, with both sides reportedly exchanging missiles and drone strikes.
Pakistan denies involvement in the Kashmir attack and maintains that Indian strikes hit civilian areas.
According to the Pakistani military, the recent exchanges left 40 civilians and 11 military personnel dead.
India has reported 16 civilian and five military casualties on its side.
The violence marked the worst confrontation between the two countries in nearly 30 years, and it only ceased after a ceasefire agreement was reached on Saturday under diplomatic pressure, particularly from the United States.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry rejected Modi’s remarks as “provocative and inflammatory,” saying:“At a time when international efforts are focused on regional peace and stability, this statement represents a dangerous escalation.”
The ministry added that Pakistan “remains committed to the recent ceasefire understanding and necessary steps toward de-escalation,” but warned that any future aggression would be met with full resolve.
Meanwhile, diplomatic relations continued to fray.
Both countries declared diplomats persona non grata in tit-for-tat moves, each accusing the other’s embassy staff of engaging in activities inconsistent with diplomatic norms.
The officials have been given 24 hours to leave the host country.
Tensions have also led to a reduction in diplomatic staff at both the High Commissions in New Delhi and Islamabad.
Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi visited the Adampur Air Force Base near the India-Pakistan border, where he addressed Air Force personnel and repeated his warning:
“We will not differentiate between those who govern and those who mastermind terrorism. We will enter their dens and strike decisively.”
While U.S. President Donald Trump credited American diplomacy and trade considerations for contributing to the ceasefire, India clarified that trade was not part of its recent discussions with Washington on the matter.
India’s Ministry of Defence said military leaders from both nations spoke by phone on Monday and reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire, with the potential for further confidence-building steps, including reducing troop deployments along the border.
Pakistan has yet to release details of the call.