Relations between India and Pakistan have declined sharply following a deadly militant attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attacks. Indian police earlier claimed two of the attackers were Pakistani citizens.

India launched military strikes on targets in Pakistan, both countries said on Wednesday, with Pakistan claiming it had shot down at least two Indian Air Force planes in response, in a major escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals.

The Indian military said early Tuesday it had launched strikes against Pakistan in retaliation for last month’s militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.