Just hours after Indian forces conducted precision airstrikes on nine terror-linked targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, a massive civil defence mock drill was launched across the country – the first of its kind in decades.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) rolled out the sweeping preparedness exercise on May 7 across 244 districts, mobilising schools, government institutions, public spaces and emergency services to assess India’s readiness for large-scale emergencies.
The timing of the drill, coinciding with heightened military and diplomatic tensions, signals a renewed focus on internal security and civilian preparedness.
“This is not just a routine drill. The goal is to evaluate our response to new and complex threats,” an MHA official said, referencing recent developments along the border. “The geopolitical climate demands that every arm of civil society be alert, prepared and capable of responding swiftly.”
