Mubasher: India said it launched air strikes against militants in Pakistani territory, escalating tensions between the two Asian nations.

Strikes hit a training camp of the Jaish-e-Mohammad group in Balakot, northwest Pakistan, the Indian government said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan said its jets forced back the Indian planes, denying reports of any casualties.

The strikes are the first launched across the line of control, which divides India-administrated Kashmir from Pakistan-administrated Kashmir, since a war between the neighbouring countries took place in 1971.

Relations between the two countries have been bitter since an attack on Indian troops earlier in February.