[Source/Observer Network by Shao Yun]

After the severe military conflict with Pakistan on the 7th, which was the most serious in nearly 20 years, Indian Prime Minister Modi convened a meeting of government ministers on the 8th. He stated that the country was in a "sensitive period" and urged all departments to "maintain continuous vigilance" and "keep clear communication."

It is reported that this is the first public statement by Modi after the conflict. Indian media pointed out that this meeting took place amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. As of the 8th, India said its military operations targeting Pakistani objectives were "still ongoing" and confirmed for the first time that they had struck Pakistani military facilities. Pakistan, on the other hand, claimed to have killed "40 to 50" Indian soldiers near the Line of Control between the two countries.

According to an announcement released by the Office of the Prime Minister of India (PMO) on the 8th, Modi reviewed the government's emergency preparations and inter-departmental coordination during the meeting regarding recent developments in the national security situation. The announcement stated that the meeting discussed a series of topics, including strengthening civil defense mechanisms, combating misinformation and fake news, and ensuring the security of key infrastructure.

The announcement read: "The Prime Minister called for continued vigilance, institutional synergy, and clear communication during the sensitive period of the country." It was noted that Modi emphasized the need for "seamless collaboration" among various departments and institutions to ensure internal coordination and "resilience."

Those attending the meeting included the cabinet secretary, senior officials from the PMO, as well as secretaries (the highest-ranking officials below ministers) from important ministries such as defense, home affairs, foreign affairs, information and broadcasting, power, health, and telecommunications. According to the PMO, the Indian government has identified actions related to the conflict across all departments and is strengthening relevant processes.

Prime Minister Modi presided over the government ministerial meeting on the 8th, PMO video screenshot.

American Cable News Network (CNN) reported that this was the first time Modi made a public statement regarding the escalating India-Pakistan conflict on the 7th. The New Indian Express said that this was less than a day after the Indian Air Force launched Operation Sindoor on the 7th, striking nine targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif confirmed on the 7th that in response, Pakistan had shot down five Indian aircraft. It was reported that three French-made Mirage 2000 fighters, one Sukhoi Su-30 fighter, and one MiG-29 fighter were involved. Additionally, one Indian Heron UAV was also shot down.

The conflict between India and Pakistan has a long history, but this is the first attack on Pakistan by India since 2019, considered the most serious clash between the two sides in over twenty years. According to India's Defense Minister Singh, Indian forces killed about 100 "terrorists" during Operation Sindoor. Pakistan stated that Indian airstrikes caused at least 31 civilian deaths.

India said this was a response to the terrorist attack incident in the Indian-administered Kashmir region last month, which resulted in at least 26 deaths and 46 injuries, including tourists and children. India accused Pakistan of being involved, stating that Pakistan has long "supported cross-border terrorism activities."

In response, Pakistan has repeatedly denied these allegations. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the 7th, stating that the Pakistani government, armed forces, and people are united against India's aggression and will always firmly take action to protect and maintain Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sharif reiterated on the 7th that national security is an uncompromising bottom line.

This conflict also affected many civilian flights. Reuters reported on the 7th that more than 20 international flights were forced to reroute to avoid Pakistani airspace after the conflict broke out. Aviation data website FlightRadar24 showed that as of the morning of the 7th, airlines had cumulatively canceled 52 flights departing from or arriving in Pakistan.

India was also significantly affected. Several airports in India were closed, leading to the cancellation of a large number of flights by airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Airlines. The Hindustan Times reported on the 8th that the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan caused commercial flights at 27 airports in northern India to be suspended until the 10th, with another 25 international routes forced to close.

Singh stated on the 8th that India's military operations targeting Pakistani objectives "are still ongoing." On the same day, Major General Babar Iftikhar, Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations of Pakistan, stated at a press conference that Indian drones had been continuously intruding into Pakistani territory since the early hours of the 8th, and Pakistan had shot down 25 drones and remained in a state of "high alert."

On the 8th, India announced that Indian troops had attacked air defense systems and radars in multiple locations in Pakistan that morning and "destroyed" the air defense system of Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest city. CNN reported that this marked the first time India confirmed carrying out strike operations against Pakistani military facilities. On the same day, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan stated that Pakistani forces had killed "40 to 50" Indian soldiers near the actual control line between the two countries.

This article is an exclusive contribution from the Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7502074498821227043/

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