Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Mallikarjun Kharge and wished him a speedy recovery on Thursday, a day after the Congress president underwent a procedure for pacemaker implant.

Security was beefed up across four districts of Bareilly division with police, PAC, and RAF personnel out on the streets and drones in the air on Thursday in view of Dussehra, officials said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized Pakistan’s intentions regarding the Sir Creek dispute, warning of a decisive Indian response to any misadventure. He highlighted India’s capabilities demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, which neutralized hidden enemies and exposed Pakistan’s air defence, while reiterating that escalating war is not India’s objective.