Terming Pakistan as a “failed state”, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah Thursday said relations between New Delhi and Islamabad would never improve until a peoples’ government is elected in the neighbouring country.

Amid heightened tensions, the Indian Navy has intensified its presence in the Arabian Sea, issuing warnings to ships near its firing drill zone, close to where the Pakistan Navy is also conducting exercises.

Rajani Shaw, wife of detained BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, sought answers in Pathankot regarding her husband’s situation in Pakistan. BSF officers in Firozpur assured her that Purnam was safe and his release was likely soon, with talks underway with Pakistan Rangers.