A New Kind of Battle for India and Pakistan, Two Old Foes

Pakistan’s military officials, in a news conference, projected a defiant stance that suggested the escalations were not ending anytime soon. “They sent in their drone; they are getting a befitting response,” said Lt. Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Pakistan Army’s chief spokesman. “So at a time, place and method of our choosing, we will do whatever we will do. We are not beholden to anyone else but the people of Pakistan.”

On Friday, the Indian military said it was mobilizing thousands of soldiers with its volunteer reserve force to support military operations.

Both countries have suspended or moved their cash-rich cricket leagues out of safety concerns. The Indian Premier League, one of the world’s richest sports competitions with 10 franchises valued about $1 billion each, said it had suspended matches for a week. The Pakistan Super League said it was moving the remaining eight games of its season to the United Arab Emirates.

India and Pakistan, which became separate countries in 1947, have fought three wars, with disputes over Kashmir a part of each one. One of those, in December 1971, established the so-called Line of Control that divides Kashmir.

The escalating tensions have had people on edge.

“I have been stocking up on rations like rice and lentils and flour,” said Ajay Sharma, a physiotherapist in Jaipur, Rajasthan state, which shares a border with Pakistan.

Mr. Sharma said he had also withdrawn cash from banks. “Although we have full faith in our army, one cannot predict what will happen, given the circumstances,” he said.

Reporting was contributed by Mujib Mashal, Hari Kumar, Suhasini Raj, Pragati K.B., Lara Jakes, Showkat Nanda and Zia ur-Rehman.