The army will conduct military exercises in the northeast bordering China, preparing to counter any enemy misadventure.

New Delhi. India’s preparations to respond to any bilateral aggression by enemy countries along the border are unprecedented. Following the first phase of Operation Sindoor in May, all three branches of the armed forces have been continuously honing their combat skills in various military exercises. Amidst the Trishul exercise by the three armies along the border with Pakistan, India has now issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) in the northeast, temporarily freeing the airspace for civilian flights.

This region borders China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. This NOTAM will be implemented in several phases. The first phase will be effective on November 6 and 20, the second on December 4 and 18, and the third on January 1 and 15. Civilian aircraft will not be able to fly during this period, ensuring the airspace remains clear for the Air Force’s operational activities.

The Northeast region is strategically sensitive, as it borders four countries: China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. According to sources, the Air Force will conduct large-scale maneuvers with its advanced fighter aircraft during this period. This clearly indicates that India is preparing for any potential bilateral aggression by enemy countries.

India will test its ability to respond.
From a geopolitical perspective, the environment in China and Bangladesh has not been favorable to India. Clearly, these maneuvers are aimed at testing and honing the ability to respond appropriately to threats from multiple directions.

Drone and Counter-Drone Exercises
Meanwhile, the Army conducted a large-scale drone and counter-drone maneuver exercise, Vayu Samvad-2, in the desert areas along the international border in Rajasthan. The Army stated that this two-day exercise prepared for next-generation warfare. In this exercise, conducted in a multi-domain environment, the Army prepared by creating an electronic warfare-like environment. Lieutenant General Dheeraj Seth, Commander of the Army’s Southern Command, stated that the lessons learned from this exercise will contribute to developing the Army’s capabilities.

Two-front War: Reality
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has also stated that war on two fronts is no longer a possibility, but a reality.
After Operation Sindoor, he also stated that we must prepare for the next war, as it is likely to occur soon.

What do experts say?
Defense expert Sushant Sarin, associated with the Observer Research Foundation, told Amar Ujala that the scale of the exercises suggests that the possibility of a joint war on both the Western and Eastern fronts is being tested. He added that one of the objectives of these exercises is to test coordination between the armies, as they are working on jointness. Regarding Pakistan’s preparations for maritime firing, he said that just as India is sending a strategic message to Pakistan, there is an attempt to send a similar message from there.

Pakistan’s Trishul exercise holding its breath
The Trishul exercise by all three armies on the border adjoining Gujarat and Rajasthan has caused considerable unease in Pakistani military circles. In preparation for maritime firing in this area of ​​the border, Pakistan has issued a naval navigation warning. Significantly, images show Pakistan’s selected areas for maritime firing overlapping with India’s NOTAM area. Geo-intelligence expert Damien Simon reported on social media that Pakistan is now issuing a warning for firing exercises in the same area where India has reserved airspace for military exercises. Pakistan’s warning for maritime firing exercises will be effective from November 2nd to 5th.

India Deploys Its Force
India has deployed its full force, deploying 25,000 troops, in the Trishul exercise on its western border with Pakistan. Vice Admiral AN Pramod, DG of Naval Operations, stated that the exercise involves all three armed forces, as well as the BSF, Coast Guard, and central agencies. In addition to traditional dimensions, the exercise also incorporates new dimensions such as cyber and space. 20 to 25 naval warships and over 40 Air Force aircraft are involved. The exercise, which will continue until November 10th, simulates highly complex wartime scenarios. The three forces are practicing joint operations in border areas, the ability to strike deep into enemy territory, and multi-domain warfare.

Khwaja Asif’s Unpleasant Words
Amidst India’s Trishul exercise, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Saturday that any provocation from India will not be tolerated and that India’s response against India will be stronger than ever. One reason for Pakistan’s unease is believed to be the deteriorating relations with Afghanistan on its northern border. There have been recent intense military clashes between the two countries. Furthermore, internal rebellions have also been a source of concern for the Pakistani military.