India Urges Pakistan to Curb Drone Intrusions
New Delhi – India has called on Pakistan to take decisive action to control drone intrusions along the border, according to a statement made by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday. The Army Chief stated that the matter has been communicated to the head of Pakistan's military operations, emphasizing the need for immediate control over these aerial incursions.
General Dwivedi addressed the press, highlighting recent sightings of small drones along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. He suggested that these drones appeared to be assessing India's defensive readiness. "I believe these were defensive drones, trying to see if any action was being taken against us. It is possible they were also checking for gaps or laxity in the Indian Army through which terrorists could be sent," he stated.
According to security officials, several suspected drones were observed in forward areas along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in the Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday evening. These flying objects reportedly originated from the Pakistani side of the border, briefly hovered over Indian territory, and then returned.
The Army Chief asserted that India's defenses are robust and capable of thwarting any infiltration attempts. He dismissed concerns about potential gaps that could be exploited for terrorist activities, reassuring the nation that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains sensitive but firmly under control.
On January 10th, reports indicate that approximately six drones were sighted, followed by two to three more on January 11th and 12th. General Dwivedi noted that the drones were small and flying with their lights on at relatively low altitudes.
In a separate incident, a suspicious drone was spotted in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district on Monday night, hovering over a gas-based thermal power plant near the India-Pakistan border. Local police have initiated an investigation and emphasized that drone flights in the district are prohibited without prior authorization.
Tensions remain high, with reports of the Indian Army firing at a Pakistani drone in the Nowshera sector near the LoC on Sunday evening. Additional drones were also sighted in the area, prompting a search for any dropped weapons or drugs. Furthermore, machine guns were used to engage drones during the encounters.
These recent incidents follow a pattern of drone sightings and incursions. Earlier on Sunday, a drone originating from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) dropped a consignment of weapons in the Samba sector.
India has previously taken strong action against Pakistani drones, including shooting down several during "Operation Sindoor". While drone sightings had decreased following the operation, recent events indicate a resurgence in such activity. Indian officials have accused Pakistan of using drones to deliver weapons and drugs into Indian territory and to support state-sponsored terror groups.
