Tensions Rise Between Nuclear-Armed India and Pakistan

Limited military confrontation a possibility in the wake of deadly attack in Kashmir

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NEW DELHI - As tensions build between India and Pakistan over last week's deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir, the focus is now turning to whether military conflict is a likelihood between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Though officials do not expect the South Asian countries to launch a larger-scale offensive, partly because of Kashmir's difficult mountainous terrain, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is under pressure to retaliate.

Gunmen killed dozens of civilians on April 22 in the part of Kashmir controlled by India, the bloodiest attack in the region in years.

Limited conflict between the nations remains a possibility.

Bilateral ties have deteriorated rapidly since the attack, with India calling the incident an act of terrorism and blaming Pakistan for the carnage.

Islamabad denies involvement, vowing to return any volley of fire from the Indian side of the border.

The US has also stepped in, attempting to act as mediator between the countries, which both lay claim to Kashmir and have fought wars over the region.

On paper, India has a much bigger military should conflict escalate, with 1,475,000 people in its armed forces, or more than twice the number in Pakistan, according to data compiled by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

India also sets aside far more money for its military - about US$86 billion (S$112.7 billion) in 2024.