The risk of exposing a military still being modernized may constrain Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he weighs retaliation for a terrorist attack.

The attack triggered outrage and grief in India, along with calls for action against Pakistan, which New Delhi accuses of funding and encouraging terrorism in Kashmir.

A day after the U.N. appealed for restraint following Tuesday's deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, India reported an exchange of fire across the de facto border in the disputed region.