Six gunmen killed at besieged air base in India

In response, Modi emphasised on Pakistan to take firm and immediate action against individuals responsible or terrorists linked to Pathankot airbase attack.

While praising Indian security forces for eliminating the attackers, Parrikar also alluded to “some gaps” in security that allowed the attackers to reach the base in the northwestern state of Punjab.

The statement came hours after a Kashmiri separatists’ alliance, the UJC, claimed responsibility for the Pathankot attack, although the Indian media insists the attackers were members of the banned Jaish-e-Muhammad militant group.

The attack-a rare targeting of an Indian military installation outside disputed Kashmir-may have been meant to undermine improving relations with Pakistan after a landmark visit to the neighboring country by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed in its entirety by both.

Asked about the Pakistani connection, he said there are indications that some of these equipment are made in Pakistan. “What do you? If you don’t talk, this is where you come to a dead end of diplomacy”, says Muni.

He said barring one building where the terrorists took shelter, no other building was even damaged because the security personnel managed to corner the raiders in a corner of the sprawling base.

On Saturday and Sunday, many Indians reproduced old tweets from Mr Modi in which he questioned the policy of conducting dialogue with Pakistan amid terrorist attacks. India routinely accuses Islamist groups in Pakistan of fomenting terror across the border.

But gunfire could still be heard at the base on the third day of operations.

The government of Pakistan has said publicly and privately that it’s not going to discriminate among terrorist groups as part of its counter-terrorism operation, he said. Interestingly, Sharif expressed appreciation for maturity shown by Indian leaders in their statements after the attack.

Narendra Modi with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Lahore.

Criticising Pakistan for condemning the Pathankot attack, the editorial said Islamabad is “faking by doing so”.

The Shiv Sena in its mouthpiece said Pakistan has destroyed India’s credibility by sending the terrorists to Pathankot.

The fundamental problem for the Indian prime minister in approaching Pakistan is the great “known unknown” variable of the degree to which the Pakistan’s army is on board with comprehensive peace talks.