A group of 5 militants were able to drive a hijacked police vehicle into the military compound, launching their attack at 3:30 in the morning.

The gunmen began their attack on the dormitories on the base.

Indian authorities say the group was contained in the living quarters of the base, but managed to kill four Indian soldiers before being cut down themselves.

A wide-spread sweep of the area is still underway as Indian troops try to ensure no more attacks are forthcoming.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a statement, lauding the efforts of the Indian security forces in foiling the attack.

"In Pathankot, they tried to destroy an integral part of India's military power - the air base. I congratulate the nation's security forces for turning the intentions of our country's enemies into dust. They didn't let them succeed. And I salute the martyrdom of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives."

In issuing the statement, Modi says those responsible will not succeed in their attempts to set back India.

"Today the enemies of humanity, who can't withstand India's progress, such elements tried to blow up a vital air base of India's defense forces in Pathankot."

While no group has claimed responsibility, observers are suggesting the attack has been launched by militants hoping to derail peace initiatives being established between the Indian and Pakistani governments.

The attack has comes just one-week after Narendra Modi made an impromptu trip to the Pakistani city of Lahore to meet with Indian Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Pakistan's government has been quick to condemn the attack.

Describing it as a "terrorist incident," the Pakistani government says it remains committed to peace with India.

The attack has prompted a political response in India.

The opposition Congress Party has drummed-up demonstrations in the central Indian city of Bhopal, suggesting the Modi government is playing 'fast and loose' with its policies toward Pakistan.

"Prime Minister Modi has just returned from Pakistan after offering a hand of friendship to Pakistan but this is what we get in return. Clearly, it is time for us to reassess our position as a country."

Initial suggestions are the attack has been carried out by a group calling itself Jaish-e-Mohammed, or the Army of Mohammed.

The militant group, based in Pakistan, has been linked with terrorist attacks in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Badal says the Pakistani government needs to take action.

"They have come from outside. They belong to that place. It is duty of the government of Pakistan to control them and prevent such incidents."

India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir since the countries were formed after their independence and partition in 1947.