Pakistan has imposed restrictions on several air traffic routes over its central and southern regions days before India’s tri-services exercise, Trishul, begins near the Sir Creek border area.
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by Islamabad, the restrictions will remain in place from October 28 to 29. No official reason was cited for the move, though defence analysts believe it could be linked to a military exercise or weapons test.
The development comes ahead of India’s own NOTAM for Exercise Trishul, scheduled between October 30 and November 10, involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The large-scale operation will take place near Sir Creek and adjoining desert and coastal sectors.
Defence analysts note that such parallel NOTAMs by both countries have become routine since Operation Sindoor, when Indian forces struck multiple terrorist camps and Pakistani military bases in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.
Satellite imagery shared by defence analyst Damien Symon shows that India’s airspace reservation for Trishul extends up to 28,000 feet, which he described as “unusual” for such an exercise.
The Defence Ministry said the upcoming drill will “demonstrate the joint operational capabilities, atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and innovation” of the Indian armed forces.
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“Troops from Southern Command will actively participate to validate joint operations across diverse and challenging terrains, including offensive manoeuvres in the creek and desert sectors, amphibious operations off the Saurashtra coast, and joint multi-domain exercises,” the ministry stated.
While India has described Trishul as part of its routine preparedness cycle, Pakistan’s decision to restrict airspace has been interpreted as a precautionary measure to closely monitor Indian activities near the border.
The exercise assumes added significance as it comes days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan against any provocation in the Sir Creek region.
“If Pakistan dares to act in the Sir Creek sector, the reply will be so strong that it will change both history and geography,” Singh said while addressing troops at the Indian Air Force base in Bhuj on Dussehra.
The Sir Creek estuary, spanning 96 km between Gujarat and Sindh, remains a strategically sensitive area due to its access to key sea routes. Intelligence inputs suggest Pakistan has recently strengthened its military infrastructure in the region, heightening the exercise’s strategic relevance.
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