The Pakistan Navy has initiated large-scale military exercises in the Arabian Sea off Karachi and Gwadar, including two days of live firing exercises of air-to-air missiles. The exercises are designed to check the war preparedness of naval forces and assess the efficacy of sophisticated weapons systems, including missile firings from warships and submarines. The exercises also assess coordination between the Navy and Air Force. Civilian maritime and aerial traffic has been restricted in designated zones, with NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen/Mariners) issued in advance.
The maneuvers follow heightened regional tensions after the recent Pahalgam terror attack in India, which New Delhi attributes to cross-border elements. In anticipation of a possible Indian military response, Pakistan has put its forces on full alert, activated air defences, and increased AWACS flights to monitor Indian movements. Indian sources confirm that while Pakistani military activity has intensified, Indian operations remain routine.
India, having responded initially in a diplomatic manner, has made major moves, such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 until Pakistan stops support for cross-border terrorism. The Integrated Check Post at Attari has been shut down, and Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme have to depart India within 48 hours. All previously issued SVES visas are canceled.
Additionally, India has expelled Pakistani defence, naval, and air advisers from its High Commission in New Delhi, giving them a week to leave. Reciprocal withdrawals of Indian advisers from Islamabad have been announced, with both High Commissions reducing staff strength from 55 to 30, effective 1 May.
After a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri assured that India has made up its mind to take the perpetrators and the patrons of the Pahalgam attack to task. He said cross-border connections were apparent, reaffirming India’s resolute position. The government is leaving no stone unturned and has asked forces to be extra vigilant on all fronts.
