Days after executing Operation Sindoor, India is stepping up security measures along its western border by launching extensive mock drills across Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir on Thursday.
According to officials, these exercises are a precautionary move aimed at preparing both civil authorities and civilians for emergencies arising from hostile actions.
The drills, set to unfold across 244 districts, come on the heels of a fragile ceasefire agreed upon on May 10, following a brief but intense military confrontation with Pakistan. This erupted after the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives, many of them tourists. India has blamed Pakistan-based groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed for orchestrating the assault.
In a firm response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting key terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The retaliatory strikes triggered several days of cross-border hostilities, culminating in a ceasefire that remains tense but intact.
Drills to Boost Civil Readiness
The mock drills will simulate scenarios such as air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and emergency evacuations. Citizens are being trained in civil defence tactics including how to stockpile essentials, respond to infrastructure attacks, and navigate communications blackouts. Special attention is being paid to Punjab, where additional precautions are being taken due to its sensitive location.
Over 100 sites have been flagged as “especially sensitive,” with officials ensuring that bunkers, shelters, and early warning systems are operational. Coordination between local authorities and the Indian Air Force (IAF) is also being tested through hotline and radio checks.
A senior official noted, “These drills are not just a precaution—they are a clear message. India is fully prepared to defend its citizens and infrastructure under any circumstances.”
Global Diplomatic Offensive
In parallel, India is conducting a global diplomatic outreach to expose Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism. Seven all-party delegations comprising MPs from across the political spectrum are currently visiting 33 world capitals, including New York, Bahrain, South Korea, Slovenia, Panama, Guyana and Qatar, to present evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in terror activities.
In New York, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor declared, “No one sitting in Pakistan can believe they can kill our citizens with impunity. There will be a price to pay.” The delegation paid tribute at the 9/11 Memorial, highlighting shared global trauma caused by terrorism.
In Bahrain, South Korea, and Slovenia, Indian MPs have briefed senior government officials on India’s zero-tolerance policy on terror. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised the efforts, emphasizing that India stands united in its resolve.
Delegations have called upon the Indian diaspora to act as “force multipliers” by shaping public and political opinion in host countries. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi drew a stark comparison between Pakistan-backed terrorists and the ideology of ISIS, underlining the ideological extremism behind the attacks.
Ceasefire, But No Complacency
Despite the ceasefire brokered on 10 May after three days of hostilities, India remains on high alert. Intelligence agencies continue to monitor threats, and military preparedness remains elevated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed retribution for the Pahalgam attack, stating those responsible will be “punished beyond their imagination.”
