Authorities sent the opposition leaders back to New Delhi after they waited for several hours at the airport in Srinagar, the main city in the region. Journalists were also stopped from entering.

Pakistan touted a wing commander's return as "a goodwill gesture aimed at de-escalating rising tensions with India" after weeks of unease that threatened to spiral into war.

"A major infiltration attempt by terrorists has been foiled," an Indian Defence Ministry spokesman said.