NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Indians Thursday to "stand as a wall" with anger boiling over Pakistan’s capture of a pilot as a crisis escalates between the nuclear-armed rivals.



In his first remarks since Pakistan shot down two Indian fighter jets, the prime minister urged his countrymen to unite "as the enemy seeks to destabilise India".

"In the face of their objective, every Indian should stand as a wall, as a rock," Modi said.

"The entire country is one today and standing with our soldiers. The world is looking at our collective will and we have faith in our forces´ capacity.

"India will live as one. India will work as one. India will grow as one. India will fight as one. India will win as one."

Modi did not mention Pakistan by name during the address to party workers.