Blasts rock Indian Kashmir, Amritsar as Pakistan conflict escalates

Blasts rang out across Indian Kashmir and the Sikh holy city of Amritsar in neighbouring Punjab state late on May 9, with the Indian military saying they were shooting down drones in the worst fighting with Pakistan in nearly three decades.

The explosions in Amritsar - the first heard in the three-day-old conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours - could mark a further expansion in the hostilities that have alarmed world powers.

Projectiles and flashes were seen in the night sky above the Indian Kashmir city of Jammu that was plunged into a blackout in the second night of blasts in the region’s winter capital, officials and a Reuters journalist said.

“Drones have been sighted ... They are being engaged,” said an Indian military official who asked not to be named.

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Xi shows solidarity with Putin at Russia’s Victory Day parade

Undeterred by the threat of Ukrainian attacks, Chinese President Xi Jinping sat shoulder to shoulder with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow’s Red Square on May 9, in a show of solidarity.

Decked out in matching black coats with the orange and black striped Ribbon of Saint George – a symbol of Russian nationalism and military valour – pinned on their lapels, both men watched a display of Russian weapons, including drones used against Ukraine, and a march-past of troops from various nations, including China’s People’s Liberation Army, at the Victory Day parade.

The parade marked the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies over Nazi Germany.