On May 7, 2025, India will undertake its most extensive civil defence preparedness exercise in over five decades, reflecting heightened tensions with Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed 244 districts across the country to participate in these drills, which aim to bolster civilian readiness for potential wartime scenarios. As the situation remains fluid, the Indian government continues to monitor developments closely, urging citizens to participate actively in the drills and stay informed through official channels.

The nationwide drills will encompass a range of activities designed to simulate emergency conditions. These include the activation of air raid warning sirens, implementation of blackout protocols, evacuation procedures for schools and hospitals, and public training sessions on civil defence measures. Major metropolitan areas such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad are among the 259 locations identified for these exercises, with over 100 sites classified as highly sensitive.

In parallel, the Indian Air Force is set to conduct a significant air exercise along the India-Pakistan border from May 7 to May 8. This operation will involve advanced fighter jets, including Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi-30 aircraft, focusing on rapid deployment and combat readiness. This initiative marks the first time since the 1971 Indo-Pak war that India has conducted civil defence exercises on such a scale. Authorities emphasize that these drills are precautionary and aim to enhance national preparedness amid the current geopolitical climate.

These measures come in response to escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan. Following the Pahalgam attack, India has accused Pakistan of supporting the militants involved, a claim Islamabad denies. In retaliation, Pakistan has conducted multiple missile tests, including the launch of a Fatah surface-to-surface missile with a 120-km range. Both nations have since closed their airspace to each other's airlines, suspended trade, and increased military activities along the Line of Control. The drills are designed to educate civilians on emergency protocols and ensure infrastructure resilience in the face of potential threats.