'Operation Shield' Security Drills Conducted in States Bordering Pakistan
India conducted 'Operation Shield,' a series of civil defense mock drills, on Saturday across several states and Union Territories bordering Pakistan. This significant initiative aims to enhance national security preparedness and response capabilities in these strategically important regions. The drills focus on coordinating various agencies and ensuring readiness for potential security challenges, bolstering India's defense mechanisms along its western frontier.
Unpacked:
Operation Shield was conducted across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Jammu & Kashmir—covering all districts bordering Pakistan. These areas were chosen due to their strategic importance and proximity to the western frontier.
The drills simulated seven scenarios, including air raids, drone and missile attacks, blackout enforcement, evacuation procedures, and mass casualty management. Hotlines between the Indian Air Force and Civil Defence Control Rooms were also tested to ensure swift coordination during emergencies.
The urgency for Operation Shield increased after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in 26 deaths. This incident highlighted security vulnerabilities along the border and led to the decision for regular monthly drills in these regions.
Operation Shield is the second major nationwide civil defence exercise, following Operation Abhyaas on May 7, 2025. It is unique in its scale, focus on border districts, coordination between civil and military agencies, and its direct response to heightened security threats, particularly aerial attacks and terrorism.