Islamabad: Pakistan reiterated on Tuesday its adherence to the ceasefire agreement with India, which followed a four-day period of intense military conflict. However, it firmly stated that any future aggression from India would be met with a strong and determined response.

Islamabad’s remarks came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Monday, asserting that India would not hesitate to strike militant hideouts across the border again if provoked—dismissing what he called “nuclear blackmail.”

The recent clashes between the two nuclear-armed neighbors saw the use of drones and missiles, with both sides targeting each other’s installations. India claimed it had destroyed terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for a deadly attack on Hindu pilgrims in Indian-administered Kashmir, which left 26 dead.

Pakistan, denying any involvement in the Kashmir incident, stated that the Indian strikes hit civilian areas. The Pakistani military reported 40 civilian and 11 military personnel casualties, while India reported losing five soldiers and 16 civilians.

This outbreak of violence has been the most severe between the two countries in nearly 30 years. A ceasefire was eventually reached on Saturday, following diplomatic efforts, including intervention from the United States.

In response to Modi’s statement, Pakistan’s foreign ministry condemned his comments as “provocative and inflammatory,” calling them a serious threat to regional peace. The ministry emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining the recent truce and de-escalating tensions but warned that future attacks would be met decisively.

The situation has also affected diplomatic relations. India declared a Pakistani High Commission official in New Delhi as persona non grata on Tuesday, accusing him of conduct inconsistent with his diplomatic status. Pakistan responded in kind, expelling an Indian official from its embassy in Islamabad under similar accusations. Both were given 24 hours to leave.

Diplomatic staff at both embassies have already been scaled down following the April 22 Kashmir attack.

Modi’s Renewed Warning

During a visit to the Adampur Air Base near the India-Pakistan border on Tuesday, PM Modi reinforced his stance, warning that India would directly target those responsible for terrorism, whether state actors or not.

“We won’t distinguish between those in power and those plotting terror. We will hit them where it hurts, and they won’t be able to escape,” Modi said during his address to Air Force personnel.

Meanwhile, the Indian foreign ministry clarified that trade was not discussed during its conversations with Washington amid the tensions. This follows comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested trade considerations played a role in bringing both nations to agree on a ceasefire.

According to India, the top military commanders from both sides communicated by phone on Monday and reaffirmed the ceasefire, while also discussing potential de-escalation measures along the border. Pakistan has not released details of the conversation.

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