Why is it in news?
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A day after the Indian precision air strike on a terrorist training camp in Balakot, Indian and Pakistani Air Force jets engaged in a chase over the Line of Control.
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One Indian MiG-21 Bison aircraft was lost and a Pakistani F-16 was shot.
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Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was arrested by Pakistan and is in their custody.
International responses to situation
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UK response: The British government has expressed its deep concern about “rising tensions” between India and Pakistan, and called for urgent restraint from both sides and “diplomatic solutions”.
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Chinese response: China appeared to have walked a thin line by tacitly supporting Indian air strikes against the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist camp in Pakistan, but rejects labelling Pak. as a sponsor of terrorism.
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Russia’s response: Russia called upon both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions in South Asia that intensified after Pakistan carried out a raid inside Kashmir.
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Iran’s response: Iran asked for restraint with Foreign Minister Javad Zarif urging both sides to ensure peace in the region.
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Nepal’s response: Nepal asked for “utmost restraint” and dialogue.
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Sri Lanka’s response: Sri Lanka called for peace in the region, and asked India and Pakistan “to act in a manner that ensures peace and stability”.
Sources
The Hindu