India said on Monday it had responded to 'unprovoked' small arms firing from Pakistan along the de facto border for the fourth consecutive night, as it deepens its search for militants in the region following last week's deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir.

The Chinese support is crucial for Pakistan as India has threatened retaliation. Given Indian war mongering, all-out war or limited conflict is a real possibility. In the event of any limited or bigger conflict, China's support for Pakistan will be critical to keep India at bay.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a phone call with his Pakistani counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday said his country is closely following the situation between India and Pakistan, China's state media Global Times said in a report.