At least five army troops and seven militants have been killed in a clash in southwest Pakistan, the military has said.
The clash occurred on Wednesday during a security operation against "terrorists of Indian backed Fitna Al Hindustan" in the remote Barkhan district of southwestern Balochistan province, the army's media wing said in a statement.
Islamabad uses the terminology Fitna Al Hindustan to designate Baloch separatist groups, which have long been targeting security forces and civilians across Balochistan.
There was no immediate reaction from New Delhi to Islamabad's accusation.
The deceased troops included a major.
"Sanitisation operation in the surroundings continue to eliminate any other Indian sponsored terrorists present in the area," the statement added.
Renewed surge in militant violence
Pakistan has seen a renewed surge in militant violence in recent years, particularly in its western and southwestern regions.
Fifteen policemen were killed and another three injured in a gun-and-bomb attack in Bannu district of northwestern Khyber Phaktunkhwa province.
Islamabad accuses archrival India of being involved in the prolonged unrest in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, a charge New Delhi denies.
Some militant groups have long been fighting for the "independence" of Balochistan, which makes up 42 percent of Pakistan in terms of land.
