Hours after India carried out an aerial bombing against Pakistan, the UK Government has been accused of selling weapons to the neighbouring foes. India’s Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said “a very large number” of militants were killed in the attack at a military training camp near Balakot, north Pakistan on Tuesday. But Pakistan officials say their jets forced back the planes and the bombs fell in a wooded area resulting in no damage or casualties. The targeted assault follows the killing of 40 Indian paramilitary police in a suicide attack on February 14, carried out by terrorist and anti-India group Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Indian officials have accused Pakistan of aiding Jaish and say they have intelligence the militants are planning further attacks against its people.
Pakistan denies any involvement and says it does not support terrorist or military groups.
As both sides continue to draw on arms companies to fund their hostilities, the UK has come under fire by an anti-war group for licensing them weapons.
Campaign against Arms Trade (CAAT) says the UK Government has licensed £550 million worth of arms to India since May 2015 and £42 million worth of arms during the same period in an analysis of its figures.
The peace movement has accused the UK Government of putting profits before people.
Andrew Smith of CAAT said: “For years now, the UK has armed both India and Pakistan.
“This has meant ignoring the tensions and dangers, and putting arms sales ahead of peace-building and human rights.
“These arms sales have only added to the volatility of the situation, when what is needed is diplomacy and dialogue.
“The Government must put the need for peace and disarmament before the interests of the arms companies.”
In response, a Government spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “We are concerned by rising tensions and we are encouraging both sides to show restraint and to avoid escalating tensions.
“The UK is working closely with international partners, including in the United Nations Security Council, to ensure that those responsible for the Pulwama attack are held to account.
“We take our export responsibilities very seriously and we operate one of the most robust export control regimes in the world.”
Pakistan issued a sinister warning in response to Tuesday’s military strikes saying it will respond “at the time and place of its choosing”.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars and other military conflicts since 1947 over the state of Kashmir, which both countries lay claim to.
The conflict had cooled in recent years but the February 14 attack has re-ignited tensions.
China, Pakistan’s long-time ally, has urged both countries to exercise restraint.
But as fears abound of a growing crisis, both sides are making preparations.
Officials have ordered hospitals in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to set a quarter of beds aside for “a national cause”.