India Views Pakistan's Surface To Surface Ballistic Missile As A “Blatant Act Of Provocation”
New Delhi has issued no formal statement, but officials characterised the timing as nuclear blackmail
NEW DELHI:
India views Pakistan’s weekend test launch of the Abdali surface to surface ballistic missile as a “blatant act of provocation” amid heightened tensions over the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, according to government sources.
Pakistan said Saturday’s launch — conducted under Exercise “Indus” — was a “training” shot to verify the missile’s advanced navigation and manoeuvrability. Abdali can carry conventional or nuclear warheads up to 450 km. Islamabad did notify New Delhi in advance, as required under bilateral missile-test protocols
New Delhi has issued no formal statement, but officials characterised the timing as nuclear blackmail aimed at deflecting pressure over alleged cross-border links to the Pahalgam assault, which killed 26 civilians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already given India’s armed forces “complete operational freedom” to determine a response to the attack.
Security analysts note India’s strengthened air-defence shield — including the S-400 system — can counter short-range threats. Separately, the Army has issued a request for proposals to procure very-short range, man portable air defence missiles (VSHORADS) with a six-kilometer engagement envelope for use against aircraft, helicopters and drones.
Indian officials reiterated that “perpetrators, backers and planners” of the Pahalgam strike must be brought to justice and said the latest missile launch would not deter punitive action against terrorist networks.