Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated after Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted pre-dawn surgical strike in Pakistan on Tuesday morning. Pakistan on Wednesday has claimed that it has shot down an Indian aircraft inside Pakistani airspace.

"In response to Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) strikes this morning as released by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indian Air Force crossed LoC. PAF shot down two Indian aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace. One of the aircraft fell inside AJ&K while other fell inside IoK. One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area," said spokesperson of the Pakistani armed forces Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor in a tweet.

"This was not retaliation to continued Indian belligerence. Pakistan has, therefore, taken strikes at the non-military target, avoiding human loss and collateral damage. The sole purpose is to demonstrate our right, will and capability for self-defence. We have no intention of escalation but are fully prepared to do so if forced into that paradigm. That is why we undertook the action with a clear warning and in broad daylight," said Pakistan's foreign ministry in a detailed statement.