Pakistan has resumed drone incursions into India, despite recovering from the Operation Sindoor strikes eight months ago. Since January 9, multiple drones have been spotted along Jammu and Kashmir’s border sectors, prompting New Delhi to demand an end to the intrusions. The latest sightings, including Thursday night over Poonch and Ramgarh in Samba, involve small, low-flying reconnaissance drones, not the kamikaze “suicide” drones used in May last year.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi confirmed the drones are mostly light-equipped, fly at low altitudes, and appear around sensitive periods such as Army Day and Republic Day. Security forces have activated anti-drone defences, recovered dropped arms and ammunition, and maintained heightened vigilance along the IB and LoC.

Experts and officials suggest Pakistan is using these drones to test Indian defences, monitor response times, and identify gaps through which terrorists or contraband could be sent. Geopolitical analyst Sumit Raj noted these reconnaissance operations allow Pakistan to check radar activity and troop movements, while former J&K top cop SP Vaid warned the drones could be used to deliver arms or drugs to revive local terrorism.

Despite India’s warnings and defensive measures, Pakistan continues to escalate provocations, leaving New Delhi to decide its next steps as Republic Day approaches.