New Delhi, 1 May 2025 (dpa/MIA) - India has closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines, local media reported on Wednesday, as tensions continue to escalate between the two countries in the wake of a deadly terrorist attack in the disputed region of Kashmir.

All aircraft registered in Pakistan and operated by Pakistani companies, including military flights, are affected, the Indian broadcaster NDTV reported, citing a statement from the authorities.

The ban is to remain in place until May 23, it said.

Pakistan already closed its airspace to Indian aircraft as part of the diplomatic downturn since the attack on April 22, when armed attackers killed 26 people, mainly Indian tourists, in a holiday resort in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir.

New Delhi blames the attack on a militant group allegedly operating from Pakistan, which Islamabad denies.

Since then, both countries have imposed punitive measures, expelled each other's citizens and reduced diplomatic relations.

US calls for calm and cooperation

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken to leaders from both Pakistan and India, US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said in a statement.

In a conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Rubio had condemned the terror attack.

"Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence," Bruce said.

Rubio urged Pakistani officials to cooperate with investigations.

"He also encouraged Pakistan to work with India to de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia."

That message was also conveyed to Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Bruce said.

"The Secretary expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism," Bruce added.

Pakistan warns of possible Indian military strike

Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that the country had "credible intelligence" that India intends to launch a military strike in the near future.

He warned on X that any aggression would be met with a decisive response and said India was using the attack as "a false pretext."

According to media reports, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the armed forces "complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing" of India's response to the latest attack.

Modi reportedly made this statement on Tuesday at a security meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the heads of the army, air force and navy.

The South Asian nations have fought three wars since their independence in 1947 and pulled back from the brink of a fourth one over contested Kashmir, a picturesque Himalayan valley divided in parts between the two countries.

MIA file photo