Centrum Stosunków Międzynarodowych - 30 September 2016: India conducts ‘surgical strikes’, Pakistan denies it

Tensions in Kashmir are escalating. India has just launched a military response to the recent attack on its base in Uri, Kashmir. Surgical strikes took place on the line of control (LOC), effectively a Pakistani-Indian boarder. Pakistan says that two of its soldiers died and nine were wounded, but they deny that India has proceeded with targeted strikes on terrorist bases.Thay add that one Indian soldier has been caputred on the Pakistani side. Today Indian authorities are evacuating villagers living close to the conflicted area.

Many reporters argue that ‘surgical strikes’ can be interpreted as Narendra Modi’s show of power, as he has been pressured by members of his own party to take a firm stand on the attack in Uri, where 18 Indian soldiers were killed. Similar strikes have taken place before but only this one was presented in the media- says Asia Times. India is, yet, with no doubt preparing to put more restrains on Pakistan through various means, not only militarily but also economically. Indian defense describes the tacit as ‘defensive posture to defensive offence’, and announces that India will soon take advantage of Pakistan’s vulnerabilities. Some of the most dramatic measures could include the end of an important river-share agreement, which would cut 65% of Pakistani landmass from water supplies. India’s plan to isolate Pakistan worldwide has, however, met with no international response. Recently the US and China have announced that they will stay out of the conflict.