Amidst the ongoing military conflict between India and Pakistan, a senior official in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed hope that the situation will not escalate. The official acknowledged the interconnectedness of security, development, and economic growth, noting that industry tends to become cautious during conflicts. Tensions rose after India neutralized Pakistan's attempts to target military stations, prompting a massive aerial vigil along the border.
The MEA official's statement comes as a response to queries during an event focusing on the impact of conflict on the economy and the resilience required in such situations. The official stated that, in a conflict situation, industry will naturally recoil and wait for the situation to improve. He further added that "we should remain hopeful that the existing conflict does not escalate and subsides".
Recent tensions between the two countries have been high, particularly after the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. India has asserted that this attack was the original escalation point of the recent tensions. In response to the attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched "Operation Sindoor," targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). Indian officials confirmed that nine terror-linked sites were targeted, emphasizing that the mission was focused, measured, and non-escalatory, specifically avoiding Pakistani military installations.
Pakistan, however, has accused India of targeting military sites, claiming that India launched attacks on several cities. Pakistan launched attacks using drones and other munitions along the western border and violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. These attacks were effectively repulsed by Indian forces. India Today reported that the Pakistani military attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj.
In response to Pakistan's actions, India has been on high alert, with increased security measures in place across the country. Several airports were closed, and schools and colleges in Jammu and Kashmir were shut down. The Indian Air Force has been actively using its air defense systems to intercept incoming missiles and drones.
The international community has also weighed in on the situation, with the UN urging both India and Pakistan to show restraint and avoid further conflict. The US Vice President commented that the India-Pakistan conflict is "fundamentally none of our business".
Despite the ongoing tensions and military actions, the MEA official's statement reflects a desire to avoid further escalation. The hope is that both sides will exercise restraint and find a way to de-escalate the situation, paving the way for dialogue and a peaceful resolution. However, as the situation remains tense, the need for continued vigilance and diplomatic efforts is paramount.
