Pakistan has claimed that it has shot down an Indian aircraft inside Pakistani airspace. The statement released by Pakistan says that the Pakistani troops were able to arrest one Indian pilot.

"In response to Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) strikes this morning as released by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indian Air Force crossed LoC. PAF shot down two Indian aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace. One of the aircraft fell inside AJ&K while other fell inside IoK. One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area," said Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the Pakistani armed forces said in a tweet.

In a detailed statement, Pakistan's foreign ministry said two aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force undertook strikes across Line of Control from within Pakistani airspace.

"This was not a retaliation to continued Indian belligerence. Pakistan has therefore, taken strikes at non-military target, avoiding human loss and collateral damage," the statement said.

Pakistan said the sole purpose of these strikes was to "demonstrate our [Pakistan's] right, will and capability for self defence".

Pakistan said it has "no intention of escalating" the tensions, but are "fully prepared to do so if forced into that paradigm".

"That is why we undertook the action with clear warning and in broad daylight,"the statement said.

Pakistan said: "If India is striking at so-called terrorist backers without a shred of evidence, we also retain reciprocal rights to retaliate against elements that enjoy Indian patronage while carrying out acts of terror in Pakistan. We do not wish to go to that route and wish that India gives peace a chance and to resolve issues like a mature democratic nation." (India Today)