Massive Drills in India on May 7

In a significant move to bolster internal preparedness, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ordered large-scale mock drills across 244 Civil Defence districts in India on May 7, 2025, following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that left 26 civilians—mostly tourists—dead.

 The attack has sharply escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting urgent national security consultations led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The drills, coordinated by the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, are intended to test India’s readiness in case of a hostile attack or war-like situation. Key components of the exercise include operationalisation of air raid warning sirens, activation of communication hotlines with the Indian Air Force, crash blackouts, evacuation rehearsals, and civilian training in protection measures.

The letter from the Union Home Ministry emphasised the need for updated evacuation plans, camouflaging of vital installations, and testing the response of civil defence units including wardens, rescue squads, and firefighting services. Students and local residents will also be sensitised and involved in mock response scenarios.

 This nationwide initiative underscores a growing sense of urgency within the Indian security apparatus. The exercise comes amid rising calls for accountability and strategic retaliation following the Pahalgam massacre. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s briefing to PM Modi on India’s military posture further reflects New Delhi’s intent to be fully prepared for any eventuality in an increasingly volatile regional environment.