After the "retaliation" strike carried out by the Indian Air force on terror training camps across the Line of Control, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said that the attack was only a "pre-emptive strike".

"Credible information was received that JeM was attempting other attacks in the country. A pre-emptive strike became absolutely necessary. India struck the biggest camp of JeM in Balakot," said Gokhale, briefing the media.

"India struck biggest training camp of Jaish in Balakot, large number of terrorists eliminated," said the government.

According to reports, twelve Indian Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jets crossed the Line of Control around 3.30 am and dropped 1,000 kg laser-guided bombs. The first strike was carried out at 3.45 am, the second at 3.48 am and the third at 3.58 am.

The operation lasted for 19 minutes. All the aircraft returned and there were no Indian casualties, said Air Force sources.

"This was a very strong and necessary response… the steps taken today were necessary… Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given this freedom to the armed forces, and now the entire nation stands behind the armed forces," said Union Minister Prakash Javadekar.