Indian, Pakistani armies exchange fire on Kashmir border

KARACHI, Pakistan / NEW DELHI

Pakistani and Indian forces exchanged fire at the disputed Kashmir border overnight, with both sides accusing the other of starting the armed clash.

The clash, latest in a string of gunfire exchanges since last week's attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, took place between Tuesday and Wednesday night.

There were no casualties reported.

"During the night of 29-30 April 2025, Pakistan army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the Line of Control opposite the Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor sectors in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir," said a statement from the Indian army.

Indian army troops responded swiftly and proportionately, it added.

".... the unprovoked small arms firing by the Pakistan army was also reported from their posts across the Line of Control in Baramulla and Kupwara districts, as well as across the International Border in the Pargwal Sector.

Indian army troops responded appropriately," it said.

Pakistan, for its part, accused the Indian army of firing "unprovoked" at the Kiani-Mandal sector on Tuesday night, which was met "accordingly," according to state-run Pakistan Television, citing security sources.

At least one outpost of the Indian army was destroyed in the exchange of fire, it said.

Amid the cross-LoC fire, the directors general of military operations of the two sides spoke over the hotline on Tuesday.

Tensions between the two countries have been high since April 22, when 26 people were killed by unidentified gunmen at the Pahalgam tourist resort in Indian-administered Kashmir.


India shuts airspace for Pakistani aircraft

Meanwhile, India on late Wednesday barred Pakistan airlines from using its airspace, according to the Press Trust of India.

A Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM, was issued that bars Pakistan airlines from using the Indian airspace, the news agency reported.

Last week, Pakistan closed its airspace for all Indian-owned or Indian-operated airlines after India announced suspended Pakistani visas and closed the only land border between the two countries. Islamabad also halted trade with India including through third parties.