Pakistan says it has forced an Indian military helicopter to land for allegedly violating Pakistani airspace and has detained the four-member Indian crew.

Pakistani authorities say the helicopter entered Pakistani airspace Sunday in the northern Skardu region, near Indian-administered Kashmir. Investigations are underway as to why the helicopter flew across the border.

A Pakistani army spokesman says the crew members are safe.

India and Pakistan have fought three major wars since they gained independence from Britain in 1947, two of which involved the disputed Kashmir region. Both sides claim Kashmir in its entirety.

Relations between the two countries have improved since they resumed a peace process in February, more than two years after a 2008 attack by Pakistani militants in the Indian city of Mumbai killed 166 people.