Drones sighted along India-Pakistan border in J&K’s Poonch, Samba

The repeated sightings of drones along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and the Ramgarh sector of Samba district, Jammu & Kashmir, represent a significant and evolving challenge to India's national security. These incidents are not isolated but rather indicative of a persistent and sophisticated strategy by adversaries, primarily from across the border, to exploit technological advancements for nefarious purposes.

**Background Context and Historical Significance:**

Jammu & Kashmir shares a highly volatile and militarized border with Pakistan, bifurcated into the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC). The LoC, a de facto boundary, emerged from the 1948 ceasefire and was formally delineated in the Simla Agreement of 1972. This region has been a hotbed of conflict since the partition of India in 1947, marked by multiple wars (1947, 1965, 1971, Kargil 1999), cross-border infiltration, and proxy warfare sponsored by Pakistan. For decades, the primary threat involved armed militants attempting to cross on foot. However, with advancements in drone technology, the nature of this threat has transformed. The first major drone incident of concern was reported around 2019-2020, with a significant increase in sightings thereafter, particularly for dropping weapons, narcotics, and currency.

**What Happened and Why it Matters:**

The recent drone sightings in Poonch and Samba are critical because they underscore the shift in tactics. Drones offer a low-cost, low-risk, and high-impact method for surveillance, reconnaissance, and delivering payloads without direct human exposure. They can map Indian troop positions, identify vulnerabilities in border fencing, and facilitate the smuggling of drugs, arms, and ammunition to destabilize the region and fund terrorist activities. The specific mention of the LoC in Poonch, known for its rugged terrain and dense forests, and the Ramgarh sector of Samba, which includes both riverine and plain areas, indicates a widespread and adaptable approach by the perpetrators. These incidents threaten India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, demanding a robust and immediate response.

**Key Stakeholders and Their Roles:**

1. **Indian Security Forces (Indian Army, BSF, J&K Police):** These are the frontline defenders, responsible for border surveillance, interception, and neutralizing threats. The Army primarily mans the LoC, while the Border Security Force (BSF) guards the International Border. Their role involves detection, tracking, and counter-drone operations.

2. **Pakistan's Military and Intelligence Agencies (ISI):** Often accused by India of supporting cross-border terrorism and using drones for intelligence gathering and logistics support to non-state actors.

3. **Non-State Actors/Terrorist Groups:** Groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) frequently utilize these methods for resupply and reconnaissance, often operating with covert state support.

4. **Local Population:** Residents in border areas are crucial for intelligence gathering and often bear the brunt of heightened security measures and cross-border tensions.

**Significance for India:**

These drone sightings have profound implications for India. From a national security perspective, they represent a direct challenge to border management and intelligence capabilities. The ease with which drones can penetrate airspace necessitates significant investment in counter-drone technology. Internally, the smuggling of narcotics and weapons fuels radicalization, particularly among youth, and contributes to the grey economy, undermining law and order. Economically, persistent insecurity deters investment and tourism in border regions. Politically, it reinforces the need for a strong stance against state-sponsored terrorism and cross-border aggression, impacting diplomatic relations with Pakistan.

**Constitutional and Policy Framework:**

India's response to such threats is rooted in its constitutional framework and various acts. The **Defence of India** falls under the Union List (Seventh Schedule), with the President as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces (Article 53). **Article 355** places a duty on the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance. The **Border Security Force Act, 1968**, empowers the BSF to ensure the security of the borders of India. For internal security, the **Ministry of Home Affairs** plays a pivotal role. To counter the drone menace, India has introduced the **Drone Rules, 2021**, by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which regulate the use of civilian drones, but also inform the government's approach to identifying and managing unauthorized aerial vehicles. Furthermore, the **Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA)**, can be invoked against individuals or groups involved in using drones for terrorist activities.

**Future Implications:**

The future will likely see an escalation in technological warfare. India must invest heavily in advanced counter-drone systems, including anti-drone jammers, spoofers, laser-based interception systems, and artificial intelligence-driven detection networks. There is a continuous need for policy adaptation, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and leveraging intelligence from local communities. Diplomatically, India will continue to press Pakistan on curbing cross-border activities. The evolving nature of these threats demands a dynamic, multi-pronged strategy encompassing technological superiority, robust intelligence, and proactive border management to secure India's frontiers effectively.

**Broader Themes:**

This issue links to broader themes of modern warfare, asymmetric threats, grey zone tactics, and the challenges of securing long, porous borders in the age of rapid technological advancement. It also highlights the critical interplay between national security, internal security, and foreign policy in a complex geopolitical environment.