India’s Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, accused the neighbouring country of giving legitimacy to terrorism and warned New Delhi security forces would be willing to cross the border to protect the country’s territory.
Tensions in region are high, with the two nations both claiming they should have control of the Jammu and Kashmir regions, leading to a bitter dispute.
He said: “We will not only secure India internally but can also cross border, if needed, to protect the country.”
Heavy exchanges of shelling have increased over the past 12 months with both countries accusing the other of being responsible.
Mr Singh accused Pakistani militant Hafiz Saeed of being a terrorist and said the country was focused on giving him “political legitimacy” rather than working for peace.
He also vowed Kashmir would always be a part of India.
The politician said: “Kashmir was with India, Kashmir is with India and it will remain with India forever.
“Kashmir’s children are like my own and would not allow anyone to radicalise them.”
Mr Singh made his comments at the ‘Rising India’ summit, organised by News18.
The Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1947 and 1965 both revolved around competing claims for the area.
The United Nations have encouraged the pair to take part in talks in a plea for the violence on the border to be de-escalated.
Pakistan Foreign Minister, Khawaja Asif has previously accused New Delhi for the diplomatic fall-out.
In January he said: “We have consistently strived to maintain a close, cordial and mutually supportive relationship with our neighbouring countries.
“It is unfortunate that India responds to Pakistan’s friendly moves with hostility.”
However, New Delhi has argued the opposite.
India Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared last month: “Pakistan is expanding the arc of terror resorting to ceasefire violations (on the border) to assist infiltration.”