In response to heightened military tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, India's Defence Ministry has mobilized 14 infantry battalions of the Territorial Army, a pivotal auxiliary force, for deployment across the country until 2028. This move underscores India's strategic reinforcement and readiness amidst escalating confrontations with Pakistan.
The activation directive, issued by the Department of Military Affairs under the Defence Ministry, comes at a critical juncture as both nations, nuclear powers with long-standing border disputes, edge closer to potential conflict. Sources familiar with the matter, speaking to NDTV, highlighted the urgency of bolstering national security amid recent military provocations.
India's military posture vis-à-vis Pakistan demonstrates a significant numerical and technological advantage, as affirmed by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). With approximately 14.75 lakh active military personnel and an additional 16 lakh in paramilitary forces, India surpasses Pakistan's deployment, which totals less than seven lakh military personnel and 2.9 lakh in paramilitary forces.
The SIPRI report also underscores India's superior inventory of fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, armoured vehicles, and artillery pieces, solidifying its position in the ongoing military standoff.
Recent skirmishes have seen India successfully repel drone and missile assaults, attributed to its advanced air defence systems. Utilizing an integrated counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) and bolstered by systems like the S-400 Triumf and indigenously developed Akash missiles, India has effectively neutralized aerial threats.
Moreover, India's proactive military strategy was highlighted by Operation Sindoor, a tri-services initiative reminiscent of actions not seen since the 1971 war. This operation targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists and dismantling critical infrastructure used to launch past attacks, including the infamous Pulwama incident of 2019.
Operation Sindoor was launched in direct response to the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals. India has unequivocally accused Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism on its soil and abroad, including the 2005 London bombings, presenting compelling evidence of Islamabad's involvement.
In a recent diplomatic exchange, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri dismantled Pakistan's denial of involvement, citing irrefutable proof and advocating for an international inquiry into Islamabad's support for terrorism.
As tensions remain high, India's deployment of Territorial Army battalions underscores its commitment to securing national borders and protecting against external threats. The strategic activation signals a readiness to respond decisively to any escalation, maintaining defensive and offensive superiority in the region.
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