India launches massive tri-service drills along western border
India launched its largest combined military operation along its western frontier with Pakistan this week, deploying roughly 20,000 personnel in drills set to continue through Nov. 13. Exercise Trishul marks the first joint training at this magnitude since Operation Sindoor began in May and will evaluate combat capabilities across desert regions and the Sir Creek coastal zone.
The three armed branches will assess weaponry ranging from T-90 battle tanks to Rafale jet fighters during scenarios testing offensive tactics and defensive coordination. Vice Admiral A N Pramod confirmed on Friday that between 20 and 25 naval vessels, more than 40 combat aircraft, and army equipment will participate in operations spanning conventional warfare, digital security threats, and space-based systems. Amphibious landing exercises will feature the INS Jalashwa dock ship.
Separately, aviation authorities issued flight restrictions on Friday for air force maneuvers in northeastern territories near China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Those operations will occur in stages from November through January 2026. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan last month that military action near Sir Creek would trigger a response altering both historical records and territorial boundaries.
