For the first time in over 50 years, India is being warned it may face a full-scale war.
Civil defence drills are being conducted to prepare people mentally and practically for war-like situations.
These drills test how citizens, civil authorities, and trained personnel respond during emergencies like blackouts.
Such preparations aim to build public resilience, awareness, and unity during crises.
The Modi government has a history of large-scale mobilisations (e.g., demonetisation, COVID-19 lights-off) that required public participation.
Some see recent terror incidents, like Pahalgam, as India's 9/11, suggesting a possible turning point in national security policy.
Pakistan is viewed by some as being in deep internal crisis, held together by extremist elements using terror.
India’s tough stance against terrorism comes with the risk of triggering a full war with Pakistan.
A real war could harm India’s global image as a rising economic and responsible power.
Civil defence drills may also act as psychological pressure on Pakistan to back down and hand over terror leaders.
India's restrained response to 26/11 (2008 Mumbai attacks) embarrassed Pakistan internationally, and a similar strategy could work again.
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