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

Pakistan's military says it has launched retaliatory strikes on sites in India, alarming world powers about further hostilities between the nuclear nations.

Amritsar has been placed on red alert, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors and away from windows, amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following fresh ceasefire violationsIssuing a series of early morning advisories on Sunday,