Talking about the increasing tension between India and Pakistan, Nitin Gokhale, national security analyst, said that the next 48 hours could be crucial with regards to the next course of action.

When asked if one of its pilots being in Pakistan's custody will affect India's decision, Gokhale said, “This kind of a temporary setback or somebody getting into Pakistani territory or the enemy territory - this will not inhibit any decision making as far as India is concerned." “The pilot is in Pakistan army's custody and he has to be treated according to Geneva Convention."

The Indo-Pak border issue escalated on Wednesday after the Pakistan Air Force violated the Indian air space in retaliation to the air strike carried out by the Indian Air Force on Tuesday on terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad's camps in Pakistan's Balakot. Pakistan on Wednesday arrested an Indian pilot after his plane crashed across the Line of Control.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed by the NSA, service chiefs and the intelligence top boss about the situation and the status of Abhinandan Varthaman, the pilot who is currently in Pakistan's custody.

First Published:Feb 28, 2019 10:31 AM IST