NEW DELHI, May 10:  In a highly anticipated briefing earlier today, India’s External Affairs Secretary, Mr. Vikram Misri, addressed the ongoing escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. The statement came following a series of provocative actions from Pakistan in recent days.

Mr. Misri began his address by reiterating India’s stance on the current situation. He emphasized that the provocative and escalatory actions observed over the last two to three days were solely instigated by Pakistan. He went on to highlight that India’s response has been both responsible and measured, with a clear focus on self-defense in the face of these provocations.

"This morning, we have witnessed another instance of this escalating and provocative behavior from the Pakistani side," Mr. Misri stated, calling attention to the recurring nature of these actions. He invited Colonel Sufia Qureshi and Squadron Leader Vyomika Singh to provide further updates on the latest developments.

Following their remarks, Mr. Misri returned to the podium with additional points of clarification. He strongly criticized Pakistan’s continued misinformation campaign, especially in relation to the claims they had made regarding India’s defense infrastructure.

"Pakistan’s allegations about attacks on various installations and military facilities, including air force bases in Sirsa and Surat, as well as the S-400 system in Adampur, are categorically false," he asserted. He further condemned Pakistan's widespread misinformation, accusing the Pakistani state of actively propagating these false narratives.

Mr. Misri urged the media and the public to remain vigilant and not fall prey to the web of lies being disseminated by Pakistani authorities, stressing that these claims were nothing more than propaganda aimed at furthering political agendas.

Another key point raised by Mr. Misri was Pakistan’s ongoing assault on Indian civilians and infrastructure, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. He condemned the targeting of civilians, noting the tragic death of Additional District Commissioner Mr. Raj Kumar Thapa in Rajouri due to shelling, as well as the damage inflicted on civilian property in Ferozepur, Jalandhar, and surrounding areas.

"Pakistan continues to target our civilian population with indiscriminate attacks, and this morning’s assault on Rajouri is just the latest example," he said. The External Affairs Secretary also highlighted Pakistan’s repeated attempts to sow discord within India’s diverse society, with particular focus on exacerbating regional tensions.

Mr. Misri further dismissed absurd claims by Pakistani officials that India had launched missiles towards Amritsar Sahib, categorizing these as desperate attempts to create divisions within India. He pointed out the irony in the fact that the Pakistani army spokesperson appeared pleased by internal criticisms within India, stating that such freedom of expression is a hallmark of a functioning democracy—a concept Pakistan, he suggested, may not be familiar with.

In a final rebuke, Mr. Misri addressed the ludicrous accusation that Indian missiles had hit Afghanistan. "This claim is as absurd as it is unfounded," he stated, adding that the Afghan people are all too familiar with the reality of civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, particularly from actions originating within Pakistan's borders.

Concluding his statement, Mr. Misri acknowledged the dynamic and evolving nature of the situation but reaffirmed India’s commitment to providing regular updates as developments unfold. He also noted that no questions would be taken at this time, but assured the press that further briefings would follow as necessary.

"We remain committed to defending our sovereignty and responding in a responsible manner to any provocations," Mr. Misri concluded, thanking the gathered journalists for their attention.

The statement comes at a time of heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border, with both nations locked in a war of words and military posturing. The External Affairs Ministry’s briefing, which was closely followed by both domestic and international media, signals India’s resolve to maintain peace while asserting its right to defend itself against any threats.