In the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s decisive counterterrorism operation that took place
on May 6-7, 2025, to destroy terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,
India now also has heightened alert conditions on its western borders.
The Government of India has mandated extensive civil defence mock drills to take place on
May 29, 2025, in the bordering states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.
While the drills will see civilians tested in their responses and preparedness, it is also India’s
way of signalling that it is willing to have a stronger security presence in the region amid the
tensions with Pakistan, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, which killed
26 people.
The exercise, scheduled for Thursday evening, is a tactical response to the recent escalation
where India killed over 100 terrorists and thwarted Pakistan’s retaliation with drone and missile
strikes. Although the test is to go ahead in districts bordering Pakistan, it is an issue of readiness
for any level of crisis, particularly terror attacks triggered by military escalation. There was
also a nationwide event, Operation Abhyas, on May 7, to better prepare the national posture
for mobilising civil defence measures. Residents in these jurisdictions have been advised to be
vigilant and participate to the best of their ability. Additionally, there have been preparations
made for community bunker models in front-line states such as Kashmir’s Uri to assist the
civilian population.
During a rally in Gandhinagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pointed towards the success of
Operation Sindoor, which destroyed nine terror camps, while also hinting at the Pakistani
frustration with India’s strategic actions, forcefully encompassing action on the Indus Waters
Treaty while, concurrently, claiming to do nothing but raise awareness, conceivable panic as
they have eight more such events to endure or imagine, that it would be remembered for, to
remain committed to India’s mission – this was a bold exhibition of India’s military and
psychological prowess and capacity to respond and act against provocations.
Though the India-Pakistan ceasefire is still on shaky ground, these mock drills send a wider
message of deterrence and preparedness. India is sending a strong message to Pakistan by
keeping its military and civil preparedness intact. Evidently, India is set on defending its
borders and responding appropriately to any perceived threats.
