Pakistan on Monday conducted a second missile test in just three days, firing a short-range surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 kilometers as part of its ongoing military exercise ‘INDUS’. The launch comes amid rising tensions with India following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians and was blamed on Pakistan-backed militants.
According to the Pakistani military, the test was aimed at validating key technical parameters such as the missile’s advanced navigation system and accuracy. A statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) noted that top military officials, including the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of Army Staff, congratulated participating troops and emphasized Pakistan’s preparedness to defend its territorial integrity.
This latest missile test follows the launch of the Abdali ballistic missile defence system on Saturday, with a longer range of 450 kilometers. Although India has not officially responded to the missile tests, senior Indian defence officials have described them as “acts of reckless provocation.”
India’s military readiness has been heightened in recent days. Top commanders of the Indian Air Force and Navy have briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on operational preparedness, and Indian naval exercises are underway along the west coast.
In response, Pakistan has intensified its military mobilization, including live-fire drills in the Arabian Sea. Meanwhile, domestic political unity has also been bolstered, with all Pakistani political parties—including jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s PTI—vowing a “robust response” to any Indian military action.
On the diplomatic front, efforts to cool tempers have gained momentum. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Islamabad on Monday for talks with Pakistani leadership, aimed at promoting dialogue and preventing further escalation.
Russia, too, has offered to mediate. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov conveyed to his Pakistani counterpart that Moscow is willing to facilitate a political resolution, should both Islamabad and New Delhi express interest in such an initiative. The Russian Foreign Ministry said the offer comes in light of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and the fragile regional stability that followed.
The escalating situation has sparked global concern, with foreign powers closely monitoring developments between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. As India grants its armed forces “complete freedom” to respond, the coming days are likely to be critical in shaping South Asia’s geopolitical trajectory.
