Speaking to The Indian Express, the official said there was nothing “absolute” in the current military stand-off between India and Pakistan, and that India’s responses would depend on whether and how quickly Pakistan climbed the escalatory ladder.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has confirmed 'Operation Sindoor' is ongoing. All parties have backed the mission as the Air Force has been given a free hand to act upon any suspicious activity.

The name for the military attack on Pakistan brings to mind a woman who became shorthand for the grief wrought by a terrorist attack.