Mock drills to be conducted in five Indian states near Pakistan border

India is set to carry out mock drills on May 29 in several states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said the exercises aim to enhance civil preparedness and test emergency response mechanisms in the event of hostile action.

These exercises follow weeks after India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 6 and 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure and their supporters in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK).

In response to retaliatory strikes from Pakistan on Indian military bases and urban areas, India hit back by striking at least eight Pakistani air bases along with military installations, including air defense systems and radar sites.

Pakistan sought a ceasefire on May 10, which India subsequently agreed to.

Earlier this month, similar drills were scheduled for May 7 across 244 districts in states and union territories.

According to officials, the objectives of these drills include testing air raid warning systems, training civilians and students on civil defense protocols, simulating blackouts, camouflaging critical infrastructure, and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans.

Sources familiar with the matter said the drills are designed to familiarize the public with wartime standard operating procedures and to ensure readiness without causing panic.

“While there is no need to panic, the seriousness of the situation demands that people are educated on such SOPs and measures,” a source said.