The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct a two-day war exercise along the country’s western border with Pakistan starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025. This exercise, described as a "pre-planned and routine training exercise," coincides with a large-scale civil defense drill that will take place across at least 244 districts nationwide.
Experts suggest that this civil preparedness drill may be the most extensive since the 1971 war with Pakistan. It includes various activities such as the sounding of air raid sirens, blackouts, evacuation protocols, and checks on bunker readiness, particularly in 13 districts that house sensitive installations like nuclear reactors.
The timing of both the military and civil exercises comes in the wake of heightened tensions following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, predominantly tourists. In response to this attack, civil aviation authorities have issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), affecting flight movements near the southern and western sections of the India-Pakistan border.
While the IAF has emphasized that the exercise is routine, it has urged media outlets not to speculate on the timing or scope of the maneuvers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a statement made on May 6, referenced reports that India had halted the flow of water from the Baglihar dam on the Chenab River, indicating that water that once flowed "outside" would now be utilized for India’s benefit.
On April 23, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a significant move in response to the alleged cross-border linkages involved in the Pahalgam attack. Reports indicate that during a meeting with top military officials on April 29, Modi granted the armed forces "complete operational freedom" to determine the nature and timing of India’s response to the situation.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh met with the Prime Minister again on May 4 to discuss the IAF’s readiness, while Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi briefed Modi on May 3 about the overall situation in critical sea lanes in the Arabian Sea.
As for the civil defense drills, all states and Union Territories have been instructed to participate, with exercises commencing at 4 PM on May 7. Approximately 600,000 volunteers are expected to join the drills, which the Ministry of Home Affairs deemed necessary due to “new and complex threats.”
The drills aim to assess emergency warning systems, evacuation procedures, and other protocols in the event of a hostile attack. Major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, alongside border cities and areas with key infrastructure, have been identified as particularly vulnerable.
In Delhi, citizens have been provided with a list of "dos and don’ts" for the Operation Abhyaas at 55 locations, advising them to familiarize themselves with air raid siren codes and identify nearby shelters. Emergency kits, including torches and bottled water, are recommended for the duration of the exercise.
The civil defense drills will also engage uniformed personnel from police, paramilitary, and defense forces. In Chandigarh, a city-wide blackout is scheduled for May 7, with sirens to be sounded for 10 minutes. Other states, such as Jharkhand and Punjab, will conduct similar drills, focusing on the safe evacuation of the injured and the protection of critical infrastructure.
In a related development, the UN Security Council has expressed concerns regarding Pakistan’s role in the Pahalgam attack. A PTI report indicated that there was broad condemnation of the attack, with members urging Pakistan to resolve issues bilaterally with India.
On the diplomatic front, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is set to arrive in New Delhi on May 7 for a two-day visit, during which he will meet with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and President Droupadi Murmu. This visit follows his discussions with Pakistan’s leadership, where he reportedly offered to mediate between the two nations.
Meanwhile, authorities in Doda, Jammu & Kashmir, have implemented a ban on the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), citing public safety and cybersecurity concerns. In Pakistan, the coalition government has approved an 18% increase in defense spending, raising the defense budget to over PKR 2.5 trillion (approximately ₹749 crore) for the 2025–26 financial year, which begins on July 1, 2025.
As tensions remain high along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, India has been executing strong counter-offensives against ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces. Reports suggest that Pakistani troops have retreated from several forward posts, indicating a potential lowering of morale.
In response to the escalating situation, both nations are maintaining a high state of alert, with security forces prepared for any developments. The IAF's upcoming exercise not only showcases India's military readiness but also serves as a critical component of the broader civil defense strategy, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring national security amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
