Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed several states to conduct civil defence mock drills on May 7 to enhance emergency preparedness, Central government sources told ET on Monday.
The attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, was linked to Pakistan-backed terrorist groups, bringing bilateral relations to a boiling point.
In response, the Government of India has directed the initiation of a series of measures aimed at preparing civilian populations and infrastructure for potential threats.
According to government sources, the drills focus on the following key actions:
Both countries have ordered and carried out a series of actions against the other including pulling out some diplomats and shutting down airpsace and ports, while India also suspended the crucial Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan further reportedly violated ceasefire clauses at the LoC in J&K and fired small arms for 10 consecutive nights which has further escalated tensions between the historically disputing nations.
Meanwhile, all gates of the Salal Dam on the Chenab River were closed on Monday, causing a noticeable decline in water levels across parts of J&K's Reasi district, officials confirmed to ANI.
Under the Treaty, the Western Rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—are allocated to Pakistan, while the Eastern Rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—are allocated to India. However, India retains limited rights over the Western Rivers, including usage for domestic, non-consumptive, agricultural, and hydroelectric purposes under strict regulations.
The Salal Dam, a run-of-the-river hydroelectric project on the Chenab, falls within this framework.
Last week, PM Modi gave the Indian Armed Forces full freedom to decide 'mode, timing & target' in its response to the deadliest incident India has seen since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
According to officials cited by news agency PTI, the prime minister declared, “It is our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.” He vowed to relentlessly pursue terrorists and their sponsors—an implicit reference to Pakistan—to the "ends of the earth" and ensure they face punishment "beyond their imagination."
Military readiness and world view
Moreover, Pakistan's military conducted a second missile test in two days on Monday amid the rising tensions with India. The military said the latest surface-to-surface missile, with a range of 120 km, was tested to validate operational readiness and technical parameters, including its advanced navigation system.
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has asserted that Pakistan’s defence remains "in strong hands." Earlier, on May 3, Pakistan had launched the Abdali Weapon System with a range of 450 km, which India reportedly viewed as a "blatant provocation."
On the homefront, New Delhi has ramped up its military readiness, as well.
The Indian Navy's latest warship, INS Surat, successfully intercepted a low-flying target using its MRSAM system in the Arabian Sea, and the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet has returned to service after a brief technical grounding.
As military activity intensifies along the Line of Control, global powers including the US, EU and China have called for de-escalation, especially in light of both countries being nuclear powers.
However, in case of declaration of war between the countries, China, Bangladesh and Turkey have vowed support to Pakistan; while Russia, the UK and Japan have announced support to New Delhi.
#Pahalgam Terrorist Attack
Pakistan's economy has much more to lose than India's due to the ongoing tensions, warns Moody's Ratings
The day Pakistan got the power to poke India
India demands ADB to stop funds to Pakistan as fallout of Pahalgam terror attack deepens
In response, the Government of India has directed the initiation of a series of measures aimed at preparing civilian populations and infrastructure for potential threats.
According to government sources, the drills focus on the following key actions:
- Operationalization of air raid warning sirens.
- Training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.
- Provision of crash blackout measures.
- Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants/installations.
- Updation of evacuation plan and its rehearsal.
Both countries have ordered and carried out a series of actions against the other including pulling out some diplomats and shutting down airpsace and ports, while India also suspended the crucial Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan further reportedly violated ceasefire clauses at the LoC in J&K and fired small arms for 10 consecutive nights which has further escalated tensions between the historically disputing nations.
The IWT and its impact
In response, Islamabad has also warned of a response with its "full force and might" in case water flow from India is stopped or diverted after the suspension of the IWT.Meanwhile, all gates of the Salal Dam on the Chenab River were closed on Monday, causing a noticeable decline in water levels across parts of J&K's Reasi district, officials confirmed to ANI.
Under the Treaty, the Western Rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—are allocated to Pakistan, while the Eastern Rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—are allocated to India. However, India retains limited rights over the Western Rivers, including usage for domestic, non-consumptive, agricultural, and hydroelectric purposes under strict regulations.
The Salal Dam, a run-of-the-river hydroelectric project on the Chenab, falls within this framework.
India commits to strong response
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday reaffirmed his commitment to national security, stating that as the Defence Minister, it is his duty to stand with the armed forces and deliver a strong response to any threat against India.Last week, PM Modi gave the Indian Armed Forces full freedom to decide 'mode, timing & target' in its response to the deadliest incident India has seen since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
According to officials cited by news agency PTI, the prime minister declared, “It is our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.” He vowed to relentlessly pursue terrorists and their sponsors—an implicit reference to Pakistan—to the "ends of the earth" and ensure they face punishment "beyond their imagination."
Military readiness and world view
Moreover, Pakistan's military conducted a second missile test in two days on Monday amid the rising tensions with India. The military said the latest surface-to-surface missile, with a range of 120 km, was tested to validate operational readiness and technical parameters, including its advanced navigation system. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has asserted that Pakistan’s defence remains "in strong hands." Earlier, on May 3, Pakistan had launched the Abdali Weapon System with a range of 450 km, which India reportedly viewed as a "blatant provocation."
On the homefront, New Delhi has ramped up its military readiness, as well.
The Indian Navy's latest warship, INS Surat, successfully intercepted a low-flying target using its MRSAM system in the Arabian Sea, and the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet has returned to service after a brief technical grounding.
As military activity intensifies along the Line of Control, global powers including the US, EU and China have called for de-escalation, especially in light of both countries being nuclear powers.
However, in case of declaration of war between the countries, China, Bangladesh and Turkey have vowed support to Pakistan; while Russia, the UK and Japan have announced support to New Delhi.
