ISLAMABAD: Tensions along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmirescalated once again as India’s Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi publiclycondemned recent drone intrusions from the Pakistani side, describing themas unacceptable and a form of harassment towards Indian forces. The issuegained prominence when India’s Director General of Military Operationslodged a formal complaint during the weekly hotline conversation with hisPakistani counterpart. This development, occurring in the previous week,has reignited concerns over aerial violations in a region already marked byfragile stability following earlier military confrontations. The statementfrom the Army Chief came amid reports of multiple drone sightings thatprompted counter-measures by Indian troops, raising questions aboutintentions behind such activities and the potential for further escalationin an already volatile border zone.
The incident unfolded late last week when suspected drones originating fromacross the border were detected hovering over forward areas in districtsincluding Samba, Rajouri, Poonch, and Naushera-Rajouri sectors along boththe Line of Control and the International Border. Security officialsreported that these unmanned aerial vehicles entered Indian airspacebriefly, lingered for several minutes in sensitive locations, and thenretreated without direct engagement. Indian forces activatedcounter-unmanned aerial systems protocols, including firing in someinstances, though reports indicate the drones were not downed but forced toreturn. This pattern of activity has been interpreted by Indian militarysources as possible reconnaissance efforts to probe troop positions oridentify vulnerabilities, heightening alertness among border unitsstationed in these rugged terrains.
During the routine DGMO-level hotline talks held on Monday, India’smilitary leadership conveyed a strong message that such drone incursionsrepresented a deliberate violation and must cease immediately. GeneralDwivedi emphasized in his remarks that the matter was discussed explicitly,with a clear directive issued that any continuation of this drone activitywould not be tolerated. This formal protest aligns with India’s broaderstance on maintaining strict control over its borders, particularly inJammu and Kashmir, where cross-border elements have historically beenaccused of supporting infiltration and smuggling operations. The ArmyChief’s public disclosure of the complaint underscores the seriousness withwhich New Delhi views these developments, especially against the backdropof reduced but persistent threats from across the frontier.
Contextually, these drone sightings follow a period of relative calm aftersignificant military operations in 2025, including India’s OperationSindoor launched in May, which targeted terror infrastructure deep insidePakistani territory in response to prior attacks. That operation led toheightened exchanges, including drone and missile activities, before amutual understanding was reached to de-escalate. Since then, the situationalong the Western Front and in Jammu and Kashmir has been described assensitive yet firmly under control by Indian authorities. Data from 2025indicates that security forces eliminated 31 terrorists, with approximately65 per cent identified as being of Pakistani origin, reflecting ongoingefforts to neutralize threats originating from beyond the border. Theresurgence of drone activity now raises alarms about whether such tacticsrepresent a shift towards low-intensity probing or attempts to reviveearlier patterns of interference.
Experts analyzing border dynamics note that drones have increasingly becometools in asymmetric warfare along the LoC, used for surveillance, droppingcontraband, or assessing defensive postures without risking mannedincursions. In recent months, recoveries of arms consignments allegedlydelivered by drones in areas like Samba district have further fueledsuspicions of coordinated efforts to sustain militant networks. Indiancountermeasures, including specialized units equipped with advancedcounter-drone technology, have been bolstered post-2025 operations toaddress these emerging challenges. The Army Chief highlighted theacceleration of drone warfare capabilities within Indian forces, includingthe formation of dedicated platoons and battalions focused on unmannedsystems, as a direct response to evolving threats. This modernization driveaims to ensure superiority in aerial domain monitoring and neutralizationalong contested frontiers.
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The complaint lodged through DGMO channels reflects established mechanismsdesigned to prevent misunderstandings from spiraling into broaderconfrontations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Weekly hotlinetalks serve as a critical confidence-building measure, allowing directcommunication on operational matters without political intermediaries. Byraising the issue formally, India has sought to place on record itsobjections and demand accountability, potentially deterring recurrencewhile maintaining diplomatic restraint. Observers point out that suchprotests, when made public, also serve to reassure domestic audiences andinternational partners of India’s vigilant posture in safeguardingterritorial integrity amid persistent allegations of state-sponsoredactivities from the other side.
Broader implications extend to regional stability, where any escalationalong the LoC could impact diplomatic efforts and economic considerationsfor both nations. The Army Chief reiterated that infiltration attempts havelargely failed due to robust defenses, with local terrorist recruitmentsdropping dramatically and active numbers reduced to single digits in recentassessments. This positive shift in ground realities contrasts sharply withthe aerial provocations, suggesting a possible divergence in tacticsemployed across the border. As surveillance continues in affected sectors,military analysts anticipate intensified monitoring and readiness torespond proportionately should similar incidents persist, underscoring thedelicate balance required to preserve peace in one of South Asia’s mostmilitarized zones.ogimageimage-name
