:2019 India–Pakistan border skirmishes

{{See also|Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|Kashmir conflict}}

India and Pakistan have long been at odds with each other, having engaged in several wars, conflicts, and military standoffs. The roots of the continued tension are complex, but have centred mainly around the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. After the 1947 Partition of India, the newly formed independent states of Pakistan and India squabbled over it, which led to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948 and a subsequent sharing of the state. The settlement was non-agreeable to both the parties and since then, this had become an ongoing intractable issue leading to a war in 1965. The nations also partook in another war in 1971 which led to the formation of Bangladesh. Both countries developed nuclear weapons in the 1990s and this had a sobering effect on the next major conflict {{En dash}} the 1999 Kargil War.{{Cite news|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1399992/A-brief-history-of-the-Kashmir-conflict.html|title= A brief history of the Kashmir conflict|journal= The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date= 24 September 2001|access-date= 2 March 2019|issn= 0307-1235|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190108075331/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1399992/A-brief-history-of-the-Kashmir-conflict.html|archive-date= 8 January 2019|url-status= live}}

As of now, the Line of Control demarcates the areas of administration: Pakistan administers the territory to the northwest of the line; India administers the territory to the southeast.{{Cite news |last=Engle |first=Jeremy |date=6 March 2019 |title=Learning With: 'Why Do India and Pakistan Keep Fighting Over Kashmir?'|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/06/learning/learning-with-why-do-india-and-pakistan-keep-fighting-over-kashmir.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701150737/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/06/learning/learning-with-why-do-india-and-pakistan-keep-fighting-over-kashmir.html |archive-date=1 July 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} Since 1989, a militant-fueled insurgency has raged in Indian-administered Kashmir, driven by a desire for either independence or union with Pakistan.{{Cite news |date=27 February 2019 |title=Why India and Pakistan dispute Kashmir|publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/10537286 |url-status=live |access-date=6 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224045738/https://www.bbc.com/news/10537286 |archive-date=24 December 2018 }}{{Cite web |title=The Future of Kashmir? |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/south_asia/03/kashmir_future/html/6.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118091301/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/south_asia/03/kashmir_future/html/6.stm |archive-date=18 November 2018 |access-date=6 March 2019 |publisher=BBC }} The United Nations has stated Pakistan was providing material support to the militants{{citation|author1=Joanna Slater|title=Modi vows action after dozens die in deadliest attack in Indian-held Kashmir in 3 decades|date=15 February 2019|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/indias-modi-promises-retaliation-after-worst-attack-in-kashmir-in-three-decades-kills-dozens/2019/02/15/f5dd55d6-309e-11e9-8781-763619f12cb4_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217015242/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/indias-modi-promises-retaliation-after-worst-attack-in-kashmir-in-three-decades-kills-dozens/2019/02/15/f5dd55d6-309e-11e9-8781-763619f12cb4_story.html|access-date=4 April 2019|archive-date=17 February 2019|author2=Niha Masih|url-status=live}} Quote: "India and the United States accuse Pakistan of supporting and sheltering militants who launch attacks into Indian-held territory, something Pakistan denies." and stated India was committing human rights violations.{{Cite web |last=Zutshi |first=Chitralekha |date=5 March 2019 |title=Why the Kashmir conflict is not just an India-Pakistan border dispute |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/why-the-kashmir-conflict-is-not-just-an-india-pakistan-border-dispute |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305231154/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/why-the-kashmir-conflict-is-not-just-an-india-pakistan-border-dispute |archive-date=5 March 2019 |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=PBS NewsHour}}

The standoff occurred ahead of the 2019 Indian general election.{{Cite magazine |last=Perrigo |first=Billy |date=26 February 2019 |title=What to Know About Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan |url=https://time.com/5538756/india-pakistan-kashmir-tensions-airstrikes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228031451/http://time.com/5538756/india-pakistan-kashmir-tensions-airstrikes/ |archive-date=28 February 2019 |access-date=1 July 2023 |magazine=Time}}{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=Nikhil |date=27 February 2019 |title=Why being seen as tough on Pakistan helps India's Modi |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/26/india/india-pakistan-kashmir-analysis-intl/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226183258/https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/26/india/india-pakistan-kashmir-analysis-intl/index.html |archive-date=26 February 2019}} After the Pulwama attack, Pakistan's PM attributed Indian government's desire to retaliate against Pakistan to the upcoming election.

{{cite web |date=19 February 2019 |title=Pakistan will address actionable evidence if shared by Delhi, PM Khan tells India after Pulwama attack |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1464783 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224101859/https://www.dawn.com/news/1464783 |archive-date=24 February 2019 |access-date=26 February 2019 |work=Dawn|location=Pakistan}}

The Indian government rejected the allegation.

{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47290107|title=Pakistan warns India against attacking|publisher=BBC News|date=19 February 2019|access-date=26 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223090151/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47290107|archive-date=23 February 2019|url-status=live}}

Many analysts have stated that a military response to Pakistan would improve the electoral prospects of India's ruling party.{{Cite web |last1=Gramer |first1=Robbie |last2=Seligman |first2=Lara |date=27 February 2019 |title=Amid Re-Election Campaign, Modi Takes the Fight to Pakistan |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/02/27/india-kashmir-airstrikes-jem-battling-for-re-election-modi-takes-the-fight-to-pakistan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228114926/https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/02/27/india-kashmir-airstrikes-jem-battling-for-re-election-modi-takes-the-fight-to-pakistan/ |archive-date=28 February 2019 |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=Foreign Policy}}{{Cite news |last=Biswas |first=Soutik |date=6 March 2019 |title='War' and India PM Modi's muscular strongman image|publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47439101 |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306184357/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47439101 |archive-date=6 March 2019}}{{Cite news |last1=Das |first1=Krishna N. |last2=Ghoshal |first2=Devjyot |date=26 February 2019 |title=Air strike on Pakistan sparks celebrations in India, seen boosting Modi support|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-election-idUSKCN1QF1H1 |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306063501/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-election/air-strike-on-pakistan-sparks-celebrations-in-india-seen-boosting-modi-support-idUSKCN1QF1H1 |archive-date=6 March 2019}}

{{Main|2019 Pulwama attack}}

The 2019 India–Pakistan military standoff was a result of{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47370608|title=Viewpoint: India strikes in Pakistan a major escalation|date=26 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019|publisher=BBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227061938/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47370608|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}} a militant attack in February 2019, when a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy carrying security personnel on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethpora in the Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Over 40 CRPF personnel and the perpetrator were killed in the attack, which Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for. The attacker was identified as Adil Ahmad Dar, a militant from Jammu and Kashmir, and a member of Jaish-e-Mohammed.{{Cite web |title=Pulwama Attack 2019, everything about J&K terror attack on CRPF by terrorist Adil Ahmed Dar, Jaish-e-Mohammad |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pulwama-attack-2019-everything-about-jammu-and-kashmir-terror-attack-on-crpf-by-terrorist-adil-ahmed-dar-jaish-e-mohammad-1457530-2019-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218104624/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pulwama-attack-2019-everything-about-jammu-and-kashmir-terror-attack-on-crpf-by-terrorist-adil-ahmed-dar-jaish-e-mohammad-1457530-2019-02-16 |archive-date=18 February 2019 |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=India Today|date=16 February 2019 }} This was the deadliest attack on Indian forces in Kashmir since 1989.{{Cite news |date=14 February 2019 |title=Deadliest Kashmir militant attack on troops|publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47240660 |url-status=live |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301102835/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47240660 |archive-date=1 March 2019 }}

{{Main|2019 Balakot airstrike}}

On 26 February 2019, the Indian Air Force conducted airstrikes at Balakot in Pakistan. The strikes were subsequently stated to be "non-military" and "preemptive" in nature; targeting a Jaish-e-Mohammed facility within Pakistan. The Indian government stated that the airstrike was in retaliation to the Pulwama attack and that "a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis" were eliminated who were preparing for launching another suicide attack targeting Indian assets.{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/iaf-struck-jems-biggest-training-camp-at-balakot-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-on-indias-operation-in-pakistan-6154411.html|title=IAF struck 'JeM's biggest training camp' at Balakot, says Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on India's operation in Pakistan|website=Firstpost|date=26 February 2019|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301140256/https://www.firstpost.com/india/iaf-struck-jems-biggest-training-camp-at-balakot-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-on-indias-operation-in-pakistan-6154411.html|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}

Indian media reported to have confirmed from official sources that twelve Mirage 2000 jets were involved in the operation and that they struck multiple militant camps in Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen,{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/surgical-strike-on-pakistan-exact-target-of-iaf-operation-identified-as-jaba-top-air-force-carried-out-several-hits-around-site-6154391.html|title=Surgical strike on Pakistan: Exact target of IAF operation identified as Jaba Top; air force carried out several hits around site|website=Firstpost|date=26 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228003539/https://www.firstpost.com/india/surgical-strike-on-pakistan-exact-target-of-iaf-operation-identified-as-jaba-top-air-force-carried-out-several-hits-around-site-6154391.html|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}} killing about 350 militants. The exact figures varied across media-houses.{{Cite web |last=Chacko |first=Johann |date=1 March 2019 |title=Both India and Pakistan may be lying, and that may breed worse disasters |url=https://qz.com/india/1563323/india-pakistan-lying-on-balakot-jem-will-breed-disaster/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302152537/https://qz.com/india/1563323/india-pakistan-lying-on-balakot-jem-will-breed-disaster/ |archive-date=2 March 2019 |access-date=2 March 2019 |website=Quartz India}}

Pakistani officials acknowledged the intrusion of Indian aircraft into the country's airspace but rejected the statements about the results. They stated that the Indian jets were intercepted and that the payloads were dropped in unpopulated areas and resulted in no casualties or infrastructural damage.{{cite news |date=26 February 2019 |title=Indian strikes target militants in Pakistan |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47366718 |url-status=live |access-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226193007/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47366718 |archive-date=26 February 2019 }} Pervez Khattak, the Pakistani Defence Minister, stated that the Pakistani Air Force did not retaliate at that time because "they could not gauge the extent of the damage".{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Claire |title=Pakistan defence minister mocked after saying it was 'Too Dark' for airstrike retaliation |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1092994/pakistan-india-airstrike-latest-news-Kashmir-terror-attack-nuclear |work=Daily Express |access-date=28 February 2019|date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228065741/https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1092994/pakistan-india-airstrike-latest-news-Kashmir-terror-attack-nuclear |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live }}

Business Today India stated that the area around Balakot had been cordoned off by the Pakistan Army and evidences such as the dead bodies were being cleared from the area.{{cite news |date=26 February 2019 |title=Pakistan trying to hide dead bodies of terrorists in Balakot, debunks India's claims: Source |work=Business Today |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/pakistan-trying-to-hide-dead-body-of-terrorists-in-balakot-tries-to-debunk-india-claims-source-171684-2019-02-2622532.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301080433/https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/pakistan-trying-to-hide-dead-body-of-terrorists-in-balakot-tries-to-debunk-india-claims-source/story/322532.html |archive-date=1 March 2019}} Praveen Swami writing for Firstpost said that Indian intelligence estimated a figure of about 20 casualties and that there were five confirmed kills per burial records.{{Cite web |last=Swami |first=Praveen |date=1 March 2019 |title=Property records nail Pakistani lie on Jaish-e-Mohammed HQ in Bahawalpur, finds Firstpost investigation |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/property-records-nail-pakistani-lie-on-jaish-e-mohammed-hq-in-bahawalpur-finds-firstpost-investigation-6177441.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306053543/https://www.firstpost.com/india/property-records-nail-pakistani-lie-on-jaish-e-mohammed-hq-in-bahawalpur-finds-firstpost-investigation-6177441.html |archive-date=6 March 2019 |access-date=2 March 2019 |website=Firstpost}} He also said there was a JeM rally in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on 28 February, wherein Masood Azhar's brother, Abdul Rauf Rasheed Alvi mentioned India's attack of their headquarters and vowed revenge. In another piece he stated that RAW analysts estimated 90 casualties including three Pakistani Army trainers, based on intercepted communications. Swami also said there was a lack of witness testimony to independently assess the validity of above statements.

This airstrike was the first time since the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 that aerial attacks had been carried out across the Line of Control.

Villagers from the area said that four bombs struck a nearby forest and a field resulting in damage to a building and injuring a local man around 3:00 am.{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1919080/1-no-blood-no-bodies-no-debris-no-tragedy/|title=No blood. No bodies. No debris. No tragedy|date=27 February 2019|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227234154/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1919080/1-no-blood-no-bodies-no-debris-no-tragedy/|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last1=Shahzad |first1=Asif |last2=Naqash |first2=Abu Arqam |date=1 March 2019 |title=Pakistani village asks: Where are bodies of militants India says it bombed?|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-village-idUSKCN1QH298 |url-status=live |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302111622/https://in.reuters.com/article/india-kashmir-village-idINKCN1QH29B |archive-date=2 March 2019}}{{Cite web |last=Hashim |first=Asad |date=28 February 2019 |title=At raid site, no casualties and a mysterious school |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/indian-air-raid-site-casualties-mysterious-madrassa-190227183058957.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228140436/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/indian-air-raid-site-casualties-mysterious-madrassa-190227183058957.html |archive-date=28 February 2019 |access-date=28 February 2019 |publisher=Al Jazeera}} On 28 February 2019, Pakistani Reuters reporters Asif Shahzad, Abu Arqam Naqash reported that the structure and its vicinity (of the bomb site) to be intact from the rear, however on 8 March 2019, the Reuters media team was prevented for third time from climbing hill to the closely guarded madrasa site in Balakot.{{Cite news |date=8 March 2019 |title=Reuters team prevented for third time from climbing hill to madrasa site in Balakot|work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pakistan-denies-reuters-access-to-madarasa-targetted-by-iaf/article26471697.ece |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=20 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331224442/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pakistan-denies-reuters-access-to-madarasa-targetted-by-iaf/article26471697.ece |archive-date=31 March 2019 |issn=0971-751X}}

Some diplomats and analysts have raised doubts about the efficacy of the strike, stating that the terrorist groups along the border would have vacated the area, after the Indian Prime Minister vowed to retaliate against the Pulwama attack.{{Cite news |last1=Abi-Habib |first1=Maria |last2=Ramzy |first2=Austin |date=26 February 2019 |title=Indian Jets Strike in Pakistan in Revenge for Kashmir Attack|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/25/world/asia/india-pakistan-kashmir-jets.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527130621/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/25/world/asia/india-pakistan-kashmir-jets.html |archive-date=27 May 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} The local people varied as to the purpose of the facility. Whilst some stated it being an active Jaish training camp, others stated it to have been a mere school for the local kids and that such militant camps had used to exist far earlier. Satellite-data analysis by Nathan Ruser, from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said there was an absence of any apparent evidence to verify Indian statements.{{Cite web |last=Ruser |first=Nathan |date=1 March 2019 |title=Did Balakot Airstrikes Hit Their Target? Satellite Imagery Raises Doubts |url=https://thewire.in/security/balakot-airstrikes-india-pakistan-satellite-images |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302152240/https://thewire.in/security/balakot-airstrikes-india-pakistan-satellite-images |archive-date=2 March 2019 |access-date=2 March 2019 |website=The Wire}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/politics/eyewitnesses-say-indian-air-strike-on-balakot-killed-dozens-of-terrorists-including-former-isi-agents-2465611.htm|title=Eyewitnesses say Indian air strike on Balakot killed terrorists, former ISI agents|website=cnbctv18.com|date=2 March 2019|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043807/https://www.cnbctv18.com/politics/eyewitnesses-say-indian-air-strike-on-balakot-killed-dozens-of-terrorists-including-former-isi-agents-2465611.htm|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live}} Michael Sheldon, a digital forensics analyst at the Atlantic Council, did an independent investigation on the issue, in which he said that no damage was caused to any infrastructure around the target site. He concluded that "something appears to have gone wrong in the targeting process", which was mysterious in light of the autonomous nature of the missiles reportedly used.{{Cite news |last1=Safi |first1=Michael |last2=Zahra-Malik |first2=Mehreen |date=5 March 2019 |title=Kashmir's fog of war: how conflicting accounts benefit both sides|work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/05/kashmir-fog-of-war-how-conflicting-accounts-benefit-india-pakistan |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305122254/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/05/kashmir-fog-of-war-how-conflicting-accounts-benefit-india-pakistan |archive-date=5 March 2019 |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |date=28 February 2019 |title=Surgical Strike in Pakistan a Botched Operation? |url=https://medium.com/dfrlab/surgical-strike-in-pakistan-a-botched-operation-7f6cda834b24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304154449/https://medium.com/dfrlab/surgical-strike-in-pakistan-a-botched-operation-7f6cda834b24 |archive-date=4 March 2019 |access-date=5 March 2019 |website=DFRLab}}{{Cite news |last=Slater |first=Joanna |date=1 March 2019 |title=In crisis with Pakistan, India's Modi keeps eye on elections |newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/modi-india-no-longer-helpless-in-face-of-terror-after-crisis-with-pakistan/2019/03/01/31d6667c-3c20-11e9-b786-d6abcbcd212a_story.html|url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=5 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306084810/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/modi-india-no-longer-helpless-in-face-of-terror-after-crisis-with-pakistan/2019/03/01/31d6667c-3c20-11e9-b786-d6abcbcd212a_story.html |archive-date=6 March 2019}} However, Pakistan had to close the site for one and a half month or 43 days before opened to foreign delegates and media.{{Cite web |last=Gurung |first=Shaurya Karanbir |date=29 March 2019 |title=A month after Indian air strike, Pakistan takes journalists to Balakot site |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/a-month-after-indian-air-strike-pakistan-takes-journalists-to-balakot-site/articleshow/68636173.cms |website=The Economic Times }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1475189|title=Foreign journalists given access to madressah near site of Balakot strike|date=10 April 2019|work=Dawn|location=Pakistan}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/world/pakistan-takes-media-to-balakot-air-strike-site-curtails-interactions-2096733.html|title=43 Days After Balakot Air Strike by IAF, Pakistan Takes Media Team And Diplomats to 'Site'|date=10 April 2019|website=News18}}

The Indian officials stated that synthetic aperture radar showed that four buildings had been destroyed. Vice-Marshal RGK Kapoor of the Indian Air Force said on 28 February 2019 that though it was "premature" to provide details about the casualties, they had "fairly credible evidence" of the damage inflicted on the camp by the air strikes.

In April 2019, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj officially revealed that no Pakistani soldier or civilian was hurt in Balakot air raids.{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=18 April 2019 |title=No Pak. soldier or civilian died in Balakot: Sushma Swaraj |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/no-pak-soldier-or-civilian-died-in-balakot/article61560652.ece |access-date=24 February 2024 |work=The Hindu|issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web |date=18 April 2019 |title=No Pakistan soldier or citizen died in Balakot air strike, says Sushma Swaraj |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/politics/no-pakistan-soldier-or-citizen-died-in-balakot-air-strike-says-sushma-swaraj-3004951.htm |access-date=24 February 2024 |website=CNBCTV18}}

Heavy skirmishes between Pakistani and Indian forces occurred along the Line of Control on 26 February, with small arms and mortar fire being exchanged.{{cite news |title=Heavy firing by Pakistan along LoC, Army strongly retaliates |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/heavy-firing-by-pakistan-along-loc-army-strongly-retaliates/story-KmTBaM2e26NGJPw4YXKAYI.html |access-date=26 February 2019 |work=Hindustan Times|date=26 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226175021/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/heavy-firing-by-pakistan-along-loc-army-strongly-retaliates/story-KmTBaM2e26NGJPw4YXKAYI.html |archive-date=26 February 2019 |url-status=live }} Pakistani officials reported that at least four civilians were killed, and eleven were wounded.{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466171|title=4 AJK civilians dead, 11 wounded in 'indiscriminate' Indian shelling across LoC|first=Tariq|last=Naqash|date=27 February 2019|work=Dawn|location=Pakistan|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227095047/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466171|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Naqash |first1=Abu Arqam |last2=Miglani |first2=Sanjeev |date=26 February 2019 |title=India launches air strike in Pakistan; Islamabad denies militant camp hit|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan/india-launches-air-strike-inside-pakistan-islamabad-denies-militant-camp-hit-idUSKCN1QF07B |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226171744/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-pakistan/india-launches-air-strike-inside-pakistan-islamabad-denies-militant-camp-hit-idUSKCN1QF07B |archive-date=26 February 2019}} A 55-year-old woman and her two children were killed in the Nakyal sector. In the Khuiratta sector, a 40-year-old woman was killed.

Throughout 27 February, heavy exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces continued along the Line of Control.{{cite web |title=India-Pakistan reportedly exchange heavy fire on Line of Control – USD/INR may extend gains |url=https://www.forexcrunch.com/india-pakistan-reportedly-exchange-heavy-fire-on-line-of-control-usd-inr-may-extend-gains/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227194659/https://www.fxstreet.com/news/india-pakistan-reportedly-exchange-heavy-fire-on-line-of-control-usd-inr-may-extend-gains-201902271402 |archive-date=27 February 2019 |access-date=27 February 2019 |website=FXStreet|date=27 February 2019 }} Ten Indian soldiers were injured along with two residential houses being destroyed in the skirmishes.{{cite news |title=J&K: Pakistan army uses tanks on LoC in Sialkot sector, situation tense, say sources |newspaper=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/j-k-pakistan-army-tanks-loc-sialkot-sector-situation-tense-sources-1465911-2019-02-27 |url-status=live |access-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228130304/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/j-k-pakistan-army-tanks-loc-sialkot-sector-situation-tense-sources-1465911-2019-02-27 |archive-date=28 February 2019 }} The Pakistani Army stated that on 1 March, two of its soldiers were killed by firing from the Indian Army at the Line of Control.{{cite web |last1=Mughal |first1=Roshan |last2=Hussain |first2=Aijaz |date=2 March 2019 |title=8 killed in India-Pakistan fighting after return of downed Indian fighter pilot |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-india-pakistan-kashmir-20190302-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302215616/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-india-pakistan-kashmir-20190302-story.html |archive-date=2 March 2019 |access-date=3 March 2019 |work=Chicago Tribune}} Shelling across the Line of Control reportedly killed a Kashmiri woman and her two sons after a shell landed on their home, with another civilian being critically wounded.{{Cite web |date=2019-03-03 |title=India, Pakistan resume shelling along volatile Kashmir border |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190303-india-pakistan-shelling-kashmir-border |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=France 24 |language=en}} On 6 and 7 March, Pakistani and Indian forces exchanged heavy artillery fire along the line of control, with Pakistani forces using 130 mm and 105 mm artillery and 120 mm mortars.{{cite news |last1=Gurung |first1=Shaurya Karanbir |title=Army uses Bofors guns to respond to border shelling by Pakistan |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/army-uses-bofors-guns-to-respond-to-border-shelling-by-pakistan/articleshow/68296755.cms |website=The Economic Times |date=7 March 2019}} In response to the Pakistani artillery fire, the Indian army began utilizing 155mm FH77B Bofors cannons against Pakistani positions.

{{main|2019 Jammu and Kashmir airstrikes}}

File:Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in a MiG-21 Trainer aircraft, at Air Force Station Pathankot, Punjab on September 02, 2019 (cropped).jpg, who was captured in Pakistan after his aircraft was shot down in an aerial dogfight. He was later released.]]

On 27 February, Pakistani military officials announced that Pakistan had carried out an airstrike against multiple targets in Jammu and Kashmir. A military spokesman claimed that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was able to lock onto Indian military installations, but opted to drop weapons into open areas instead, "to avoid human loss and collateral damage.{{Unbalanced opinion|date=July 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://nation.com.pk/27-Feb-2019/pakistan-has-capability-but-wants-peace-dg-ispr|title=Pakistan had no choice but to respond, says DG ISPR|date=27 February 2019|website=The Nation|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227124156/https://nation.com.pk/27-Feb-2019/pakistan-has-capability-but-wants-peace-dg-ispr|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}} Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the airstrikes only aimed to "send a message" and appealed for negotiations to avoid a full-blown war.{{Cite news |last1=Safi |first1=Michael |last2=Zahra-Malik |first2=Mehreen |date=2019-02-28 |title=India demands safe return of pilot shot down by Pakistan over Kashmir|work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/27/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-appeals-talks-india-war-kashmir |url-status=live |access-date=2023-07-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227175649/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/27/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-appeals-talks-india-war-kashmir |archive-date=27 February 2019 |issn=0261-3077}} The spokesman further said that the Pakistan Air Force had shot down two Indian aircraft after they encroached on Pakistan's airspace, one of which fell in Pakistan administered Kashmir while the other fell in Indian administered Kashmir.{{cite web |last=Hashim |first=Asad |date=27 February 2019 |title=Pakistan shoots down two Indian fighter jets: Military |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/pakistan-shoots-indian-fighter-jets-military-190227055937142.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228124544/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/pakistan-shoots-indian-fighter-jets-military-190227055937142.html |archive-date=28 February 2019 |access-date=2019-02-28 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347|title=2 Indian aircraft violating Pakistani airspace shot down; pilot arrested|date=2019-02-27|work=Dawn|location=Pakistan|access-date=2019-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227111650/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}} It was also stated that Pakistan Army had captured two Indian pilots, one of whom was said to be injured and taken to the Combined Military Hospital.{{cite news |last1=Regan |first1=Helen |last2=Kumar |first2=Nikhil |last3=Raja |first3=Adeel |last4=Gupta |first4=Swati |date=28 February 2019 |title=Pakistan says it shot down two Indian jets as Kashmir border crisis deepens |publisher=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/27/india/india-pakistan-strikes-escalation-intl/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227081256/https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/27/india/india-pakistan-strikes-escalation-intl/index.html |archive-date=27 February 2019}}{{cite web |date=27 February 2019 |title=2 Indian aircraft violating Pakistani airspace shot down; 2 pilots arrested |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227094831/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347 |archive-date=27 February 2019 |access-date=27 February 2019 |work=Dawn|location=Pakistan}} But a subsequent statement revised the count down to one–Abhinandan Varthaman, a Wing Commander.{{cite news |title=Pakistan claims IAF's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in its custody, releases video |newspaper=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-claims-iafs-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-in-its-custody-releases-video-1466166-2019-02-27 |url-status=live |access-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227182047/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-claims-iafs-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-in-its-custody-releases-video-1466166-2019-02-27 |archive-date=27 February 2019 }} According to Indian media allegations, the other pilot the Pakistan Army claimed to have captured and taken to the Combined Military Hospital is claimed to be the downed F-16 pilot.{{Cite news|last=Joshi|first=Sameer|date=7 April 2019|title=In PAF lies & subterfuge, an F-16 tail number & a PAF pilot -both hidden to serve a myth|work=The Print|url=https://theprint.in/defence/in-paf-lies-subterfuge-f-16-tail-number-paf-pilot-both-hidden-to-serve-myth/218125/|access-date=20 July 2021}}{{Cite news|date=2019-04-08|title=With radar images, IAF proves F-16 was shot down, exposes Pakistan|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/with-radar-images-iaf-proves-f-16-was-shot-down-exposes-pakistan-119040801312_1.html|access-date=2021-07-20}}{{Cite web|last=Sharan|first=Sunil|date=2019-05-01|title=The mystery of the missing F-16|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/strategic-insights/the-mystery-of-the-missing-f-16/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-20|website=The Times of India Blog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502070457/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/strategic-insights/the-mystery-of-the-missing-f-16/ |archive-date=2 May 2019 }} On the other hand, according to The National Bureau of Asian Research, such claims of an F-16 being shot down by India are said to be "debunked".Daniel S. Markey (27 January 2022). [https://www.nbr.org/publication/the-strategic-implications-of-indias-illiberalism-and-democratic-erosion/ The Strategic Implications of India’s Illiberalism and Democratic Erosion]. pg. 100-101. The National Bureau of Asian Research. Article in Asia Policy 17.1. [https://www.nbr.org/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/publications/asiapolicy17-1_markey_jan2022.pdf Free Article Access Link]. Archived [https://web.archive.org/web/20220129095109/https://www.nbr.org/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/publications/asiapolicy17-1_markey_jan2022.pdf Version of Free Access Link]. Retrieved 29 January 2022. US count of PAF's F-16 fleet and Independent media reports confirmed that no F-16 was shot down during aerial dogfight between IAF and PAF.{{Cite web |title=US Count Found No Pak F-16s Missing, Contradicts India's Claim: Report |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/us-count-found-no-pakistan-f-16s-missing-contradicts-indias-claim-foreign-policy-report-2018244 |access-date=2024-02-24 |website=NDTV.com}} The Indian claim of shooting down of a PAF F-16 was also rebutted by the prominent geo-political and military analyst Professor Christina Fair who stated while rejecting IAF claims "IAF narrative is not based on an empirical body of facts but dictated more by things deployed by politicians to win elections".

India rejected this version of events and stated to have "successfully foiled" Pakistan's attempt to "target military installations".{{cite web |last1=Pandit |first1=Rajat |last2=Parashar |first2=Sachin |date=28 February 2019 |title=Tension in the air: IAF, PAF lose a jet each; pilot in Pakistan custody |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tension-in-the-air-iaf-paf-lose-a-jet-each-pilot-in-pakistan-custody/articleshow/68192759.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228031452/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tension-in-the-air-iaf-paf-lose-a-jet-each-pilot-in-pakistan-custody/articleshow/68192759.cms |archive-date=28 February 2019 |access-date=27 February 2019 |website=The Times of India }} An Indian Air Force (IAF) official statement hours after the airstrike stated that bombs had been dropped on Indian army formation compounds, but there was no damage to military installations.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/tri-services-speak-in-one-voice-against-pakistani-misadventurism/articleshow/68205750.cms?from=mdr|title=We are on heightened state of readiness: Defence forces|website=The Economic Times|access-date=5 April 2019}} The Indian military later stated that three Pakistan Air Force jets had crossed the Line of Control (LoC) from Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir and had dropped bombs over Nadian, Laam Jhangar, Kerri in Rajouri District and Hamirpur area of Bhimber Galli in Poonch, before being pushed back by six Indian airforce jets.{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/02/27/pakistan-jets-violate-indian-air-space-kashmir-nowshera-drop-bombs.html|title=Pakistan jets violate Indian airspace in Kashmir's Nowshera, drop bombs|website=The Week|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227100228/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/02/27/pakistan-jets-violate-indian-air-space-kashmir-nowshera-drop-bombs.html|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Indian pilot 'missing in action'; IAF shoots down Pakistan's jet: What we know so far |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistani-jets-violate-indian-air-space-in-jks-nowshera/articleshow/68179676.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227111730/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistani-jets-violate-indian-air-space-in-jks-nowshera/articleshow/68179676.cms |archive-date=27 February 2019 |access-date=27 February 2019 |website=The Times of India|date=27 February 2019 }} There were no damage or casualties.{{cite news |title=Pakistani jets cross LoC, Indian Air Force takes down one F-16 |newspaper=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-fighter-jets-violate-loc-indian-air-force-airstrike-jammu-kashmir-nowshera-rajouri-1466040-2019-02-27 |url-status=live |access-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227071807/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-fighter-jets-violate-loc-indian-air-force-airstrike-jammu-kashmir-nowshera-rajouri-1466040-2019-02-27 |archive-date=27 February 2019 }} Raveesh Kumar from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs also stated that a Pakistani aircraft of the sortie was shot down by the Indian Air Force in the process.{{cite web|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm?dtl/31098/Statement_by_Official_Spokesperson_on_27_February_2019|title=Statement by Official Spokesperson on 27 February 2019|website=mea.gov.in|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227181051/https://www.mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm?dtl%2F31098%2FStatement_by_Official_Spokesperson_on_27_February_2019|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47383634|title=India Pakistan: Kashmir fighting sees Indian aircraft downed|date=27 February 2019|publisher=BBC News|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227074808/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47383634|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that an Indian pilot was missing in action after a MiG-21 Bison fighter plane was lost while engaging with Pakistani jets.{{cite web |date=27 February 2019 |editor-last=Kirti |editor-first=Sumedha |title=India-Pak Tensions LIVE: IAF Wing Commander Missing After MiG-21 Crash, Pakistan Claims He is in Their Custody, Says Govt |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/india-pak-tensions-live-iaf-wing-commander-missing-after-mig-21-crash-pakistan-claims-he-is-in-their-custody-says-govt-2049727.html |access-date=27 February 2019 |website=News18}}

The retaliatory air strikes coupled with the capture of the Indian pilot led to a heightened state of military alert. Tanks were deployed to the border in the Pakistani side whilst several Kashmiri residents reportedly fled their homes and painted their homes with red-cross signs to avert air-strikes.{{Cite news |last1=Abi-Habib |first1=Maria |last2=Kumar |first2=Hari |date=27 February 2019 |title=Pakistani Military Says It Downed Two Indian Warplanes, Capturing Pilot|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/world/asia/kashmir-india-pakistan-aircraft.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302112340/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/world/asia/kashmir-india-pakistan-aircraft.html |archive-date=2 March 2019 |issn=0362-4331}}

Pakistan released the captured pilot on 1 March, describing the move as a gesture of peace.{{cite news|title=Abhinandan: Captured Indian pilot handed back by Pakistan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47412884|publisher=BBC News|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301173217/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47412884|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=28 February 2019 |title=Pakistan will release Indian Pilot Abhinandan tomorrow as a gesture of peace: Prime Minister Imran Khanpic.twitter.com/6aUN4S9JVb |url=https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/1101077823987613697 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228211548/https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/1101077823987613697 |archive-date=28 February 2019 |access-date=28 February 2019 |website=@pid_gov}}{{Primary source inline|date=April 2024}}{{Cite news |date=28 February 2019 |title=Pakistan 'to free Indian pilot on Friday'|publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47399126 |url-status=live |access-date=28 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228144841/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47399126 |archive-date=28 February 2019 }} The Indian Air Force though stated that the pilot's release was an obligation under the Geneva Conventions.{{Cite news |date=28 February 2019 |title=No goodwill gesture to return pilot Abhinandan, was expected under Geneva Conventions, says IAF |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/abhinandan-varthaman-indian-air-force-pakistan-geneva-conventions-1467436-2019-02-28 |url-status=live |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228220126/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/abhinandan-varthaman-indian-air-force-pakistan-geneva-conventions-1467436-2019-02-28 |archive-date=28 February 2019 }} The Indian media also criticized Pakistan's release of his photographs and interrogation videos to be against the protocols of the convention.{{Cite web |last=Roy |first=Debayan |date=1 March 2019 |title=Did Geneva Conventions Make Pakistan Release IAF Pilot or Was it A Peace Gesture? News18 Explains |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/did-geneva-conventions-make-pakistan-release-iaf-pilot-or-was-it-a-peace-gesture-news18-explains-2052599.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302024818/https://www.news18.com/news/india/did-geneva-conventions-make-pakistan-release-iaf-pilot-or-was-it-a-peace-gesture-news18-explains-2052599.html |archive-date=2 March 2019 |access-date=1 March 2019 |website=News18}}{{Cite web |date=1 March 2019 |title=Captured IAF pilot handed over to Delhi as 'peace gesture' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466951 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301165512/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466951 |archive-date=1 March 2019 |access-date=1 March 2019 |work=Dawn|location=Pakistan}} A video published by the state just prior to his release that showed him praising Pakistani Army and condemning Indian media was criticized for being heavily edited.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/01/pakistan-hands-back-indian-pilot-shot-down-over-kashmir-in-peace-gesture|title=Pakistan returns Indian pilot shot down over Kashmir in 'peace gesture'|last=Safi|first=Michael|date=1 March 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=2 March 2019|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302120826/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/01/pakistan-hands-back-indian-pilot-shot-down-over-kashmir-in-peace-gesture|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=1 March 2019 |title=Pakistan hands back captured Indian pilot|publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47412884 |url-status=live |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302131948/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47412884 |archive-date=2 March 2019 }}

In the same hours of PAF retaliatory airstrikes in Jammu and Kashmir on 27 February 2019, IAF mistakenly shot down its own MI-17 helicopter, mistaking it an enemy aircraft. Resultantly, six (6) IAF personnel who were serving as a crew of IAF MI-17 lost their lives including MI-17 pilots, namely, Squadron Leaders Siddharth Vashisht and Ninad Mandavgan.{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=25 January 2020 |title=Pilots of IAF chopper shot down in friendly fire in Budgam awarded gallantry medals |url=https://theprint.in/defence/pilots-of-iaf-chopper-shot-down-in-friendly-fire-in-budgam-awarded-gallantry-medals/354529/ |access-date=24 February 2024 |website=ThePrint}} IAF Chief RKS Bahaduria admitted IAF's negligence only a year latter in 2019, terming it "a big mistake". IAF convened an enquiry commission in which Group Captain Suman Roy Choudhry Chief Operations Officers (COO) of Srinagar Air Force Station during PAF airstrikes, was dismissed from his service in 2023.

On 5 March, the Pakistani Navy claimed to have successfully warded off an intrusion attempt by an Indian submarine into its territorial waters and released a video of a surfaced submarine.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-navy-claims-it-thwarted-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters/story-Bh2jiJolHkHK8dnPthmj6O.html|title=Pakistan Navy claims it thwarted Indian submarine from entering its waters|date=5 March 2019|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305123212/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-navy-claims-it-thwarted-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters/story-Bh2jiJolHkHK8dnPthmj6O.html|archive-date=5 March 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-navy-indian-navy-submarine-video-1470645-2019-03-05|title=Pakistan claims it chased away Indian Navy submarine, releases video|work=India Today|access-date=5 March 2019|date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305105951/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-navy-indian-navy-submarine-video-1470645-2019-03-05|archive-date=5 March 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1467778|title=Pakistan Navy foils attempt by Indian submarine to enter Pakistani waters|last=Siddiqui|first=Naveed|date=5 March 2019|work=Dawn|location=Pakistan|access-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305123659/https://www.dawn.com/news/1467778|archive-date=5 March 2019|url-status=live}} The Indian Navy subsequently rejected these statements as "false propaganda."{{cite news |title=Pakistan's claims on Indian submarine false propaganda: Navy |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/false-propaganda-navy-rubbishes-pak-claims-on-indian-submarine/articleshow/68272945.cms |access-date=5 March 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=5 March 2019}}

On 27 February, Pakistan cancelled all commercial flights and closed its airspace until the midnight of 28 February.{{cite news |title=Thousands stranded in Thailand, a day after Pakistan closes airspace |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466654/thousands-stranded-in-thailand-a-day-after-pakistan-closes-airspace |access-date=28 February 2019 |work=Dawn|location=Pakistan |date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228104801/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466654/thousands-stranded-in-thailand-a-day-after-pakistan-closes-airspace |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first1=Sirajuddin |last1=Qazi Hassan |title=Pakistani airspace to remain closed till Thursday midnight |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466348 |access-date=28 February 2019 |work=DAWN |date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227200352/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466348 |archive-date=27 February 2019 |url-status=live }} A NOTAM was issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority to close the airspace.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AirportPakistan/status/1100668226386649089|title=Civil Aviation Authority of #Pakistan has officially closed its airspace until further notice & issued NOTAM. pic.twitter.com/qGZBMiKxvG|last=Pakistan|first=C. A. A.|date=27 February 2019|website=@AirportPakistan|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228105317/https://twitter.com/AirportPakistan/status/1100668226386649089|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}{{Primary source inline|date=April 2024}} Airlines were required to reroute or cancel their flights with routes planned over Pakistan.{{cite news |title=India-Pakistan tensions force airlines to cancel and reroute flights {{!}} DW {{!}} 28 February 2019 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/india-pakistan-tensions-force-airlines-to-cancel-and-reroute-flights/a-47720001 |access-date=28 February 2019 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228100204/https://www.dw.com/en/india-pakistan-tensions-force-airlines-to-cancel-and-reroute-flights/a-47720001 |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live }} On 1 March, the NOTAM closing the airspace was extended until 8:00 AM (UTC) on 4 March with 23 exceptions listed.https://www.caapakistan.com.pk/upload/Notams/A210-19.txt{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Pakistan's airspace was closed for flights crossing the country's airspace except for arriving and departing flights at major airports in Pakistan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.caapakistan.com.pk/NOTAMS/NotamView.aspx|title=Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS)|website=caapakistan.com.pk}} The airspace closure was again repeatedly extended,.{{cite news |title=Pakistan closes its airspace till March 11 |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/363185/pakistan-closes-its-airspace-till-the-march-11/ |access-date=10 March 2019 |work=Daily Times |date=9 March 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Haidar |first1=Suhasini |last2=Chandra |first2=Jagriti |title=Pakistan airspace closure hits Afghan, Kazakh, Russian airlines |url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/pakistan-airspace-closure-hits-afghan-kazakh-russian-airlines/article26714533.ece |access-date=3 April 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403071712/https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/pakistan-airspace-closure-hits-afghan-kazakh-russian-airlines/article26714533.ece |archive-date=3 April 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Chandra |first1=Jagriti |title=Pakistan extends ban on use of its airspace for flights till June 15 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-extends-ban-on-use-of-its-airspace-for-flights-to-june-15/article27282736.ece |access-date=29 May 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=29 May 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pakistan-airspace-closure-costs-over-rs-548-crore-to-indian-airlines-1562254701059.html|title=Pakistan airspace closure costs over ₹548 crore to Indian airlines|date=4 July 2019|website=Livemint}} The Pakistan finally opened its airspace for all civilian aircraft on 15 July 2019, after 140 days.{{cite news |title=Pakistan reopens airspace for all civilian traffic; Indian flights to operate soon |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-opens-airspace-for-all-civilian-traffic-indian-flights-to-operate-soon/article28462590.ece |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=16 July 2019}}{{cite news |title=Normal air traffic resumes as India follows Pakistan, lifts ban on airspace |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-pakistan-airspace-ban-lifted-normal-air-traffic-resumes-1569840-2019-07-16 |work=India Today}}

India did not close down its civilian air traffic and only the Srinagar airspace was closed for 2–3 hours on the day of the skirmish.{{cite news |last1=Peri |first1=Dinakar |title=Did not let tensions with Pakistan dictate our civil aviation: Air Chief |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/did-not-let-tensions-with-pakistan-dictate-our-civil-aviation-air-chief-bs-dhanoa/article28124276.ece |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=24 June 2019}} However the Pakistani flights were allowed usage of Indian airspace only after 15 July when Pakistan opened up its airspace.{{cite news |title=Normal air traffic resumes as India follows Pakistan, lifts ban on airspace |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-pakistan-airspace-ban-lifted-normal-air-traffic-resumes-1569840-2019-07-16 |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=India Today |date=16 July 2019}}

The airspace closure led to a loss of {{US$|100 Million}} for Pakistan due to the skipping of its airspace by an average of 400 aircraft daily.{{cite news |title=Pakistan lost millions in airspace closure post Balakot strike: Here's how countries earn from thin air |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/70067762.cms |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=The Times of India}} Air India suffered loss of {{INR|491 Crore}} till 2 July, as it had to reroute its flights that were affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace. Similarly private Indian airlines SpiceJet lost ₹ 30.73 crore, IndiGo lost ₹ 25.1 crore and GoAir lost ₹ 2.1 crore.{{cite news |title=Pakistan reopens airspace for {{sic|civi|llian|nolink=y}} traffic 140 days after Balakot airstrike |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-reopens-airspace-civillian-traffic-140-days-balakot-airstrike-1569810-2019-07-16 |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=India Today |date=16 July 2019}}

On 28 February, Samjhauta Express, a train that runs twice weekly between India and Pakistan, was suspended by the government of Pakistan.{{cite web |title=LIVE: Pakistan suspends cross-border Samjhauta Express |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/live-updates-india-pakistan-iaf-surgical-strike-pakistan-suspends-cross-border-samjhauta-express-3582911.html |publisher=Moneycontrol.com |access-date=28 February 2019|date=28 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228044505/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/live-updates-india-pakistan-iaf-surgical-strike-pakistan-suspends-cross-border-samjhauta-express-3582911.html |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live }} It was scheduled to depart from Lahore with 16 passengers, who were stranded there.{{cite news |title=Amid tensions with India, Pakistan suspends Samjhauta Express |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-pakistan-tension-samjhauta-express-suspend-train-railways-1466832-2019-02-28 |access-date=28 February 2019 |work=India Today |date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228081125/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-pakistan-tension-samjhauta-express-suspend-train-railways-1466832-2019-02-28 |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live }} On 4 March, Pakistan, and consequently India, resumed the operations of Samjhauta Express.{{cite web |title=Samjhauta Express train resumes operation today |url=https://nation.com.pk/04-Mar-2019/samjhauta-express-resumes-operation-carries-151-passengers-from-lahore |work=The Nation |access-date=4 March 2019|date=4 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304160341/https://nation.com.pk/04-Mar-2019/samjhauta-express-resumes-operation-carries-151-passengers-from-lahore |archive-date=4 March 2019 |url-status=live }}

On 5 March, Pakistan arrested 44 members of various groups, including the Jaish-e-Muhammad. Some of those arrested had been named by India in a dossier it gave to Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack.{{Cite web |last=Hashim |first=Asad |date=5 March 2019 |title=Pakistan arrests scores in fresh crackdown on armed groups |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/3/5/pakistan-arrests-scores-in-fresh-crackdown-on-armed-groups |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306074615/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/03/190305135807274.html |archive-date=6 March 2019 |access-date=1 July 2023 |publisher=Al Jazeera}} Pakistan said those arrested will be held for at least 14 days, and if India provided further evidence they would be prosecuted. Among those arrested were relatives of JeM leader Masood Azhar, including his son Hamad Azhar and his brother Abdul Rauf.

Both Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi agreed on a peace offer on 22 March 2019 ending hostilities and vowed to fight against terrorism together.{{Cite web |last=Gul |first=Ayaz |date=22 March 2019 |title=Pakistani PM Receives National Day Greetings from Indian Counterpart |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistani-pm-receives-national-day-greetings-from-indian-counterpart/4843592.html |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=VOA}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2019/03/22/time-to-work-together-indias-modi-messages-pm-imran/|title=Pakistan welcomes India's peace offer | Pakistan Today|website=Pakistan Today}}

{{main|2019 Kashmir lockdown}}

On 5 August 2019, the Government of India revoked the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir{{citation|last1=Akhtar|first1=Rais|last2=Kirk|first2=William|title=Jammu and Kashmir, State, India|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Jammu-and-Kashmir |access-date=7 August 2019}} (subscription required) Quote: "Jammu and Kashmir, state of India, located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent in the vicinity of the Karakoram and westernmost Himalayan mountain ranges. The state is part of the larger region of Kashmir, which has been the subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947."

On 15 August Pakistan and Indian forces exchanged fire over the disputed frontier in Kashmir, leaving 3 Pakistani soldiers dead and two civilians.{{Cite news |last=Farmer |first=Ben |date=15 August 2019 |title=Five killed as Pakistan and India trade fire amid Kashmir tension |newspaper=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/08/15/pakistani-prime-minister-warns-ethnic-cleansing-kashmir/ }}

On 21 August the Indian-administered Kasmir police informed about a gun battle that left a rebel and a police officer killed.{{Cite web |title=Two killed in first Kashmir gun battle since lockdown began |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/killed-gun-battle-indian-administered-kashmir-190821062557343.html |publisher=Al Jazeera}} The deceased militant was a member of Lashkar-e-Taiba a terror organization.

The Statesman, an Indian newspaper, reported that 18 terrorists and 16 Pakistani soldiers were killed when Indian Army launched artillery strikes on terrorist camps in Neelum valley on 19 and 20 October.{{Cite web |date=23 October 2019 |title=18 terrorists killed, JeM launch pads destroyed in artillery strikes by Army in PoK: Reports |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/18-terrorists-killed-jem-launch-pads-destroyed-artillery-strikes-army-pok-reports-1502813337.html |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=The Statesman}} Mohammad Faisal, however, said that five Pakistani civilians had died.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

In 2023, Mike Pompeo, who served as United States Secretary of State during the crisis, claimed that U.S. diplomacy prevented the dispute from sparking a nuclear war. According to Pompeo, he was informed by Sushma Swaraj in February 2019 that the Indian government believed Pakistan was preparing a nuclear attack, and that India was preparing an escalatory response. Pompeo claimed that he and then-national security advisor John Bolton spoke with then-Pakistani Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa in "the tiny secure communications facility in our hotel" to deescalate the dispute. Neither the Indian Ministry of External Affairs or Pakistani Foreign Office commented on Pompeo's claims.{{Cite news |date=24 January 2023 |title=India, Pakistan came close to a nuclear war, claims former U.S. Secretary of State in new book|work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-pakistan-came-close-to-a-nuclear-war-claims-former-us-secretary-of-state-in-new-book/article66429650.ece |access-date=25 January 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}

A number of nations, including Australia,{{cite news |title=Australia Asks India, Pak To 'Exercise Restraint', Engage in Dialogue |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/world-news-australia-asks-india-pak-to-exercise-restraint-engage-in-dialogue/326180 |work=Outlook |date=26 February 2019 |access-date=28 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227053325/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/world-news-australia-asks-india-pak-to-exercise-restraint-engage-in-dialogue/326180 |archive-date=27 February 2019 |url-status=live }} Canada,{{cite web| url=https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2019/02/canada-calls-for-de-escalation-between-india-and-pakistan.html| title=Canada calls for de-escalation between India and Pakistan| date=27 February 2019| publisher=Government of Canada| archive-date=3 March 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303044240/https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2019/02/canada-calls-for-de-escalation-between-india-and-pakistan.html| url-status=live| access-date=3 March 2019}} China,{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/china-soft-on-pakistan-always-opposed-terrorism-1466070-2019-02-27|title=China goes soft on Pakistan, says it has always opposed terrorism|date=27 February 2019|work=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228065725/https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/china-soft-on-pakistan-always-opposed-terrorism-1466070-2019-02-27|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}} Indonesia,{{cite news |last1=Khaliq |first1=Riyaz ul |title=Indonesia calls on India, Pakistan to reduce tensions |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/indonesia-calls-on-india-pakistan-to-reduce-tensions/1405064 |access-date=28 February 2019 |publisher=Anadolu Agency |date=28 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228191926/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/indonesia-calls-on-india-pakistan-to-reduce-tensions/1405064 |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live }} Malaysia,{{cite web|url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/malaysia-expresses-concern-over-indiapakistan-tensions|title=Malaysia expresses concern over India-Pakistan tensions|agency=Bernama|publisher=The Edge Markets|date=27 February 2019|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301140028/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/malaysia-expresses-concern-over-indiapakistan-tensions|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}} Sri Lanka,{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Ensure-stability-of-entire-region:-SL-tells-India--Pakistan/108-163001|title=Ensure stability of entire region: SL tells India, Pakistan|date=27 February 2019|work=Daily Mirror|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228130359/http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Ensure-stability-of-entire-region:-SL-tells-India--Pakistan/108-163001|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}} the United Arab Emirates,{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abu-dhabi-crown-prince-calls-pm-modi-imran-khan-amid-rising-tensions-2000876|title=Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Calls PM Modi, Imran Khan Amid Rising Tensions|date=28 February 2019|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301013406/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abu-dhabi-crown-prince-calls-pm-modi-imran-khan-amid-rising-tensions-2000876|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}} and the United States,{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2019/02/289733.htm|title=Concern Regarding India-Pakistan Tensions|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227033509/https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2019/02/289733.htm|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}} expressed their concern, with some calling for restraint. Iran and Turkey have each offered to mediate the crisis.{{cite web|url=http://www.samaa.tv/global/2019/02/iran-offers-mediation-between-pakistan-and-india-amid-rising-tensions/|title=Iran offers mediation between Pakistan and India amid rising tensions|publisher=Samaa TV|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228005917/https://www.samaa.tv/global/2019/02/iran-offers-mediation-between-pakistan-and-india-amid-rising-tensions/|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1919584/9-turkey-offers-mediation-pakistan-india-tensions-escalate/|title=Turkey offers mediation between Pakistan, India as tensions escalate|date=27 February 2019|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228200650/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1919584/9-turkey-offers-mediation-pakistan-india-tensions-escalate/|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}

• Media coverage of 2019 India–Pakistan standoff

{{reflist}}

{{Kashmir conflict}}

{{India-Pakistani relations}}

{{Military of India}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:India-Pakistan border skirmishes, 2019}}

2019 border skirmishes

2019 border skirmishes

Category:2010s in Jammu and Kashmir

Category:21st century in Azad Kashmir

Category:Attacks in India in 2019

Category:Attacks in Pakistan in 2019

Category:February 2019 in India

Category:March 2019 in India

Category:February 2019 in Pakistan

Category:March 2019 in Pakistan

Category:Naval history of the Indo-Pakistani wars

Category:Operations involving the Indian Air Force

Category:Mansehra District

Category:2019 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Category:Friendly fire incidents