US President Donald Trump's vague statement about five jets being downed during Operation Sindoor has sparked a political battle in India, with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi calling for an explanation from the PM and the BJP hitting back.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the country's nuclear programme is intended strictly for "peaceful purposes and self-defence", drawing a contrast to earlier statements by senior Pakistani officials.

India has, in a strongly-worded statement, rejected a "supplemental award" by an "illegal" Court of Arbitration set up supposedly over the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has said the country was compelled to request a ceasefire with India last month after the latter struck two of its two air bases in Rawalpindi and Punjab province, as part of Operation Sindoor.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said the mutual understanding displayed by the political class following the Pahalgam terror attack and action taken by India later should continue and become a permanent feature.

Priyanka Chaturvedi also mocked an upcoming Pakistani delegation, saying Pakistan has kept following India even after more than 70 years since their separation.