The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to carry out a two-day combat training exercise along the western border with Pakistan starting Wednesday. Officials have described it as a pre-scheduled and routine operation. The exercise, involving frontline fighter aircraft and airspace restrictions, overlaps with a large-scale civil defence drill spanning at least 244 districts across India. Experts believe the civil defence mobilisation could be the most extensive since the 1971 war with Pakistan. The drill includes air raid sirens, blackouts, evacuation protocols, and inspections of bunkers—particularly in 13 high-risk districts with critical infrastructure, including nuclear facilities.

These operations come in the wake of heightened tensions following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. Civil aviation authorities have issued flight restrictions (NOTAM) near the southern and western borders. While the IAF insists the drill in Rajasthan and nearby areas is standard practice, it has urged the media not to speculate on its intent or timing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday referenced India’s halting of water flow from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, suggesting the water would now be used domestically. Following the Pahalgam incident, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, citing cross-border terror links.

On April 29, the Prime Minister reportedly gave the armed forces full operational freedom regarding India’s response. Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi have both briefed Modi in recent days about preparedness on land and sea fronts. The nationwide civil defence drill, named Operation Abhyaas, is scheduled to begin at 4 pm on Wednesday. It will test emergency alerts, blackouts, evacuations, and infrastructure readiness. Around 600,000 volunteers are expected to participate, with that number likely to rise as students and others join.

The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized the need for enhanced readiness in the face of new and evolving threats. States have been directed to involve schools, hospitals, transportation services, and both public and private sector employees. Personnel from police, paramilitary, and defence forces will also participate. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, along with border towns and strategic locations, have been designated for detailed checks. Officials will assess preparedness and identify vulnerabilities over the next three days.

In Delhi, authorities released public guidelines for the drills across 55 sites, advising citizens to learn siren signals (long wails for alert and short bursts for all-clear), locate nearby shelters, and prepare emergency kits with essentials. The Kashmir Valley drill will also begin at 4 pm. Chandigarh will see a blackout from 7:30 pm to 7:40 pm, with 10-minute siren activations. In Jharkhand and Punjab, the focus will be on blackout drills, infrastructure protection, and evacuation simulations across multiple districts. The home ministry said the drills will also test communication systems, including IAF hotlines and backup control rooms. In its directive, the Directorate General of Civil Defence stressed the importance of maintaining optimal readiness in light of current geopolitical tensions. The campaign will extend to rural areas to strengthen grassroots-level defence mechanisms. Civil defence responses have been mobilized before, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the Kargil conflict.

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council on Monday informally addressed Pakistan’s potential role in the Pahalgam attack. While it didn’t issue an official statement, sources said member states broadly condemned the incident and urged Pakistan to engage bilaterally with India. In a related development, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to visit India starting Wednesday. He will meet with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and President Droupadi Murmu. Araghchi previously visited Islamabad and has expressed willingness to mediate between India and Pakistan. Separately, authorities in Doda, Jammu Kashmir, have banned VPN use due to concerns over cybersecurity and public order. Meanwhile, Pakistans government has approved an 18% increase in defence spending, raising its 2025–26 budget to over PKR 2.5 trillion (approximately ₹749 crore). The 2024–25 defence budget already saw a 15% hike from the previous year.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PIB.