PTC Web Desk: A tense atmosphere is building along the India-Pakistan border as Pakistan has issued a notification restricting several air routes over its central and southern regions. The announcement comes just as India prepares to conduct a large-scale tri-services military exercise, named Trishul, close to the Sir Creek region.
According to reports, Pakistan has not given any official reason for issuing the Notice to Airmen (Notam) for October 28 and 29. However, defence analysts believe it could be linked to either a military drill or a planned weapons test. The timing of Pakistan's move has raised eyebrows, as it follows India's own Notam issued for Exercise Trishul, a major joint operation involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force, from October 30 to November 10 near the Sir Creek region.
Since Operation Sindoor, similar moves have often been seen between the two neighbours, with both countries regularly issuing Notams near their borders for training or defence activities.
Satellite imagery shared by defence analyst Damien Symon shows that the reserved airspace for Exercise Trishul extends up to 28,000 feet, indicating the large scale of operations. Symon described the area selected for the exercise as "unusual" in both scope and location.
The Ministry of Defence said the drill aims to demonstrate the joint operational strength and self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) of the Indian Armed Forces. It added that troops from the Southern Command will take part in coordinated missions, including offensive operations in creek and desert zones, amphibious tasks along the Saurashtra coast, and joint multi-domain activities.
Officials said the exercise would help improve coordination among the three forces in handling diverse and challenging terrains.
Although such exercises are part of India's routine military preparedness, Pakistan's recent airspace restrictions suggest it is closely monitoring Indian movements following Operation Sindoor. During that operation, launched after the Pahalgam Terror Attack, Indian forces reportedly destroyed multiple terror camps and military sites deep inside Pakistani territory.
The upcoming exercise is particularly significant as it will take place near the disputed Sir Creek area, a 96-km-long marshland separating India's Gujarat and Pakistan's Sindh province. The region holds major strategic importance because it influences access to vital sea routes.
Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan against any "misadventure" in the Sir Creek region, saying that any provocation would invite a strong response. His remarks came after intelligence reports suggested that Pakistan had been strengthening its military infrastructure in the area.