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Pahalgam: India intensifies live drills at sea as forces respond to Pakistan's gunfire at LoC
The Indian Navy is demonstrating its strength at sea, as New Delhi intensifies pressure on Pakistan with another warning for ships to avoid certain areas in the northern Arabian Sea. This comes amid Pakistan's ongoing 'unprovoked' firing along the LoC for the eighth straight day. read more
Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers patrol near the India Pakistan border fencing at Garkhal in Akhnoor, about 35 kilometers west of Jammu, August 13, 2019. File Photo/AP
The Navy is showcasing its capabilities at sea as New Delhi increases pressure on Pakistan, issuing another warning for ships to avoid certain areas in the northern Arabian Sea due to ongoing mock drills, the Times of India reported.
This development follows India's response to Pakistan's continued 'unprovoked' fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, now extending into the eighth consecutive day.
The 'NavArea' warning for the specified zone off Gujarat, valid until May 3, is incidentally situated about 80-85 nautical miles from where the Pakistan Navy is conducting its own drills in the Arabian Sea. 'We have made it clear that if any warship or ship enters that zone, it will do so at its own peril,' an officer told the Times of India.
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Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi assessed his force's operational readiness during a visit to the Western Navy Command in Mumbai on Thursday. This review comes as the Navy has deployed several warships in the Arabian Sea, which conducted multiple firings of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and other weapon systems last week.
China, with the world's largest Navy, is helping Pakistan strengthen its maritime force. Pakistan has already received four advanced Type 054A/P multi-role frigates and other platforms from China, and it is set to receive eight Yuan-class diesel-electric submarines with air-independent propulsion, which will significantly boost its naval capabilities.
This comes amid rising tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi following the killing of 26 innocent people, mostly tourists, by Pakistan-based terrorists.
Pakistan opens fire at LoC for 8th consecutive day
Pakistani troops continued ceasefire violations along the Line of Control for the eighth consecutive night, firing unprovoked in the Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Naushera, and Akhnoor areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian military responded in a measured and appropriate manner.
This follows India's stern warning to Pakistan over these repeated violations, which are exacerbating tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both countries held a hotline conversation on Tuesday to discuss Pakistan's unprovoked ceasefire violations.
This is a developing story.
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