India's War Preparedness and Civil Defence Drills
India is on the verge of a full-scale war for the first time in over 50 years. The country is implementing drills to integrate war consciousness into the public psyche, emphasizing it as more than just a media event but as a necessary preparatory measure.
Civil Defence Preparedness
- Civil defence is a crucial component of war strategy.
- The drills aim to assess how ordinary citizens, custodians of critical civil assets, and trained personnel react in war-like situations.
Defence Preparedness and Strategy
- Prime Minister has engaged in national mobilizations reminiscent of war readiness, including:
- Demonetisation
- Swachh Bharat (Clean India mission)
- Grid resilience tests during COVID-19
- Current drills test grid resilience through planned blackouts.
Societal Impact of War Drills
- Such simulations enhance social unity and focus on larger, collective objectives.
- They prepare citizens for potential hardships while maintaining morale.
Geopolitical Context
The narrative compares Pahalgam’s incident to 9/11, highlighting the potential geopolitical tensions with Pakistan, portrayed as a destabilizing force similar to Afghanistan in 2001.
Risks and Diplomatic Options
- Engaging in a real war poses significant risks and may hinder India's global economic stature.
- Diplomatic measures should be considered to de-escalate tensions with Pakistan by urging them to hand over terror leaders from groups like LeT and JeM.
Psychological Operations (Psy-Ops)
These drills may also serve as psychological operations, signaling India's resolve and potentially deterring Pakistan from using terrorism as a geopolitical tool.
