New Delhi: Aid tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, India on Tuesday issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a major air exercise along the border areas in Rajasthan. Scheduled for May 7 and May 8, their air exercises will be part of routine operational readiness.
As per officials, these exercises will start at around 3:30 PM on May 7 and will at by 9:30 PM the next day. The airspace will also be restricted in these areas. The two-day air exercise will see several operations, including surveillance aircraft, deployment of fighter jets, and other aerial activities, which are aimed at strengthening the IAF’s combat readiness.
Ties between India and Pakistan at new low
The relations between Pakistan and India are at a new low since the Pulwama attack on April 22 in which 26 civilians lost their lives and several others were injured. Following the incident, the Centre has announced several steps against Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Water treaty, cancelling visas of Pakistani citizens, asking them to leave the country, among other measures. Apart from these, India also closed its airspace for Pakistani airlines after a similar step was taken by Pakistani airlines.
While the government has not in any way linked the two-air exercise with the ongoing situation, it announced a mock drill to be conducted in 295 districts across the country. The step has been taken to train citizens of the country to stay alert in case of need.
