ISLAMABAD: Indian media outlets have once again highlighted multiplealleged intrusions by Pakistani drones along the Line of Control in Jammuand Kashmir, with reports detailing sightings in Samba, Rajouri, and Poonchdistricts starting January 11, 2026. Defence sources from India claimed atleast five drones were detected entering Indian airspace, promptingimmediate counter-unmanned aerial systems activation and firing by troops.These incidents, occurring shortly after a weapons consignment recoveryattributed to a prior drone drop, have reignited tensions. From thePakistani perspective, such recurring unverified claims may serve asgroundwork for engineered provocations or false flag operations aimed atjustifying escalatory measures.
The sequence of events unfolded rapidly on January 11 evening, whensuspected drones were observed in forward areas including Gania-Kalsianvillage in Nowshera sector around 6:35 pm, leading Indian troops to engagewith medium and light machine guns. Additional sightings included objectsmoving from Tain towards Topa in Mankote sector of Poonch at 6:25 pm andhovering over Chak Babral in Samba’s Ramgarh sector by 7:15 pm. Groundsearch operations followed extensively to check for dropped contraband,though no new recoveries were immediately confirmed in these specificcases. The pattern suggests brief incursions followed by retreats, raisingquestions about intent and verification.
Building on the initial reports, subsequent days saw further allegedsightings, with two more incidents in the Poonch sector by January 15,marking a third occurrence within a short span. Indian Army Chief GeneralUpendra Dwivedi addressed the matter publicly, stating that concerns wereconveyed to Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations duringhigh-level talks. He described the drone activities as unacceptable andwarned of firm responses, while noting the overall situation along theWestern Front remains sensitive since the May 2025 conflict. Analystsinterpret these statements as efforts to project vigilance ahead ofRepublic Day celebrations.
Pakistan has categorically rejected these allegations as provocative andbaseless, viewing them as attempts to divert attention from India’sinternal issues and ongoing challenges in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammuand Kashmir. Official responses emphasize the lack of concrete evidenceprovided by India and highlight a historical pattern of unsubstantiatedcross-border accusations, particularly during periods of heightenedbilateral friction. Islamabad has cautioned the international communityagainst such narratives that could undermine regional stability withoutindependent corroboration.
The use of drones in border dynamics has evolved significantly in recentyears, transforming from occasional smuggling tools to instruments ofsurveillance and potential disruption. Indian sources link these intrusionsto support for militant activities, citing prior recoveries like pistols,magazines, ammunition, and grenades allegedly dropped in Samba district onJanuary 9. However, without neutral verification mechanisms, such claimsremain contested. Pakistan maintains that these reports may be exaggeratedor fabricated to portray it as the aggressor, potentially paving the wayfor preemptive actions or further military posturing.
Counter-drone measures deployed by the Indian Army, including electronicjamming and kinetic engagements, reflect substantial investments inunmanned aerial threat mitigation. Despite activations, reports indicatemost drones retreated without being downed, underscoring the technologicalchallenges in rugged LoC terrain. Security forces maintain high alertlevels, with increased checkpoints and combing operations across Jammuprovince. The timing, close to national observances, amplifies concernsover possible exploitation for political or strategic gains.
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Observers note that these developments occur against the backdrop of afragile ceasefire framework established post the 2025 clashes, whichinvolved drones, missiles, and artillery. Both sides possess advancedunmanned systems capabilities, yet mutual accusations persist withoutde-escalatory dialogue. The absence of third-party monitoring along the LoCcontributes to divergent narratives, where one side sees infiltrationattempts while the other perceives propaganda for domestic consumption.
The recurring cycle of allegations and denials highlights the persistentvolatility in India-Pakistan relations, particularly over Jammu andKashmir. As drone technology proliferates, calls for restraint,confidence-building measures, and perhaps renewed engagement throughexisting channels gain urgency to prevent miscalculations that could leadto broader confrontations between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
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