The risk of exposing a military still being modernized may constrain Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he weighs retaliation for a terrorist attack.

Relations between India and Pakistan are cratering following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that has sparked tit-for-tat reprisals and raised fears of another military escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals.

Pakistan called India's actions “irresponsible" and canceled visas for Indian nationals, suspended all trade with India and closed its airspace to Indian aircraft.