India has sent a firm message to Pakistan, saying that India will do whatever it takes to protect its national interests. The statement was made by Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, during the weekly press briefing on Tuesday.
The statement came amid reports of Pakistan's recent military posture along the border with India. While responding to media queries, Jaiswal said India's stance on cross-border terrorism has not changed, and the country will always remain prepared to defend itself.
He highlighted the Indian policy's effectiveness during Operation Sindoor last year. "India's position is clear: cross-border terrorism must be stopped at all costs," Jaiswal stressed.
Deployment
Notably, recent reports suggested that Pakistan has deployed around 250 Chinese-made SH-15 wheeled self-propelled howitzers along the border with India as part of its artillery modernisation program.
Pakistan had placed an order for 236 SH-15 155mm/52-caliber howitzers with Chinese state-owned defence company Norinco in 2019.
Deliveries of these guns began in 2022, with a second batch arriving in Pakistan in 2023. Furthermore, Pakistan has signed a technology transfer agreement with Heavy Industries Taxila to manufacture these artillery systems.
Deployment locations
Known as the PCL-181 in China, these SH-15 guns are primarily deployed in the Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Jalalpur Jattan sectors, particularly the areas around the Shakargarh Bulge. These guns were also used during Operation Sindoor.
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This 155mm artillery system is capable of firing a variety of shells and using rocket-assisted projectiles; its range extends to over 50 kilometres.
According to retired Lieutenant General PR Shankar, former Director General (Artillery), the purchase strengthens Pakistan's conventional firepower and significantly enhances the long-range strike capability of its Army Rocket Force.