New Delhi: Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi issued a stern warning on Friday after multiple reports of drones being sighted near the India-Pakistan border, suggesting that the activity is part of a deliberate pattern of hostile action rather than isolated incidents. Singhvi’s remarks underscore growing concerns in India over cross-border aerial surveillance and potential security threats, particularly in the sensitive regions of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Rajasthan.

“Pakistan is back to its old playbook. Drones spotted again across J&K just days after #OperationSindoor,” Singhvi wrote in a post on X, referring to the military operation India carried out in May 2025 against terrorist infrastructure and elements located across the border.

Singhvi warned further: “This is not provocation by accident, but hostility by design. India is watching. And India will respond!” His comments reflect concern over recurring drone activity near key installations and along border districts, signaling potential reconnaissance or preparatory actions by adversaries.

Drone Sighting in Rajasthan

The latest reports indicate that a suspicious drone was observed on Monday night over Jaisalmer district in Rajasthan, hovering above a gas-based thermal power plant situated close to the India-Pakistan border. Local authorities confirmed the incident. Ramgarh police station in-charge Bhutaram Bishnoi stated that an investigation is underway and highlighted that flying drones in the district without prior permission is strictly prohibited.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the drone was first spotted around 10 pm and continued to circle the plant and nearby airspace for approximately one hour, raising serious concerns about the potential use of drones for surveillance or other hostile purposes.

Drone Activity in Jammu Sector

Meanwhile, reports from the Jammu sector of J&K indicate a series of similar incidents. ANI news agency, citing defence sources, confirmed two separate sightings of drones in this region. Counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) measures were deployed by the Indian Army, demonstrating the high-alert response by security forces.

Residents in Rajouri district also reported heightened vigilance as multiple drones, suspected to have originated from Pakistan, were sighted over a span of two to four days earlier this week. These repeated incursions have prompted both civilians and security personnel to remain on edge, with heightened surveillance and patrols along sensitive border areas.

In Samba district, security was intensified after drones were reported along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Naushera–Rajouri sector late Sunday night, according to ANI. These developments indicate a pattern of aerial reconnaissance and potential threats, particularly in border districts that host critical infrastructure and civilian settlements.

Implications of the Drone Incursions

Security analysts suggest that drone sightings along India’s western border are part of a continuing low-intensity strategy by hostile elements. Drones can serve multiple functions, including intelligence gathering, surveillance of critical installations, or even delivery of payloads for sabotage. While no direct attacks were reported, repeated incursions are being viewed as deliberate acts of intimidation aimed at testing India’s response mechanisms.

The timing of the drone activity is notable, coming just days after Operation Sindoor, India’s cross-border operation against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. Analysts argue that these drone flights may be a retaliatory measure or a show of defiance, signaling that adversaries continue to probe vulnerabilities along sensitive sectors.

Singhvi’s Statement: A Political and Security Perspective

Abhishek Manu Singhvi’s statement carries both political and strategic weight. As a senior Congress leader and advocate, Singhvi not only highlights the continuing threat from cross-border hostilities but also signals India’s preparedness to respond decisively. By explicitly mentioning Operation Sindoor, Singhvi linked the drone activity to prior military action, framing the sightings as part of a broader pattern of hostile intent.

His assertion, “India will respond,” reinforces the government’s stance on national security and deterrence, emphasizing that any violation of Indian airspace or reconnaissance efforts will be met with appropriate measures. This also serves as a warning to Pakistan that continued aerial incursions will not go unchallenged.

Response Measures by Indian Authorities

Following these drone sightings, Indian security agencies have heightened surveillance and operational readiness in affected districts. Measures include:

• Deployment of counter-UAS technology along vulnerable zones.
• Increased patrolling and monitoring by Indian Army units in border districts.
• Coordination with local police and civil authorities to ensure civilian safety and quick reporting of suspicious aerial activity.
• Continuous monitoring of airspace above critical infrastructure such as power plants, railway hubs, and strategic installations near the LoC.

Authorities have stressed the importance of civilian cooperation, urging local populations to report any unusual aerial sightings while maintaining security protocols.

Historical Context

Drones have emerged as a modern instrument of cross-border surveillance, particularly in areas like J&K, Rajasthan, and Punjab. Over the past few years, several instances of drones being used for reconnaissance or smuggling of arms and contraband have been reported along India’s western border. These developments have necessitated investment in counter-UAS systems, radar monitoring, and rapid-response protocols for both military and civilian protection.

Experts note that drone incursions are often linked to broader geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, reflecting the continuing security challenges along the LoC and the evolving nature of asymmetric threats in border regions.

Conclusion

The recent spate of drone sightings near the India-Pakistan border has once again brought attention to the persistent threat of cross-border hostilities, the need for robust surveillance, and the Indian military’s readiness to respond. Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi’s warning that “India will respond” underscores the seriousness with which these incursions are being treated and highlights the deliberate nature of these aerial threats.

As India continues to strengthen its border security and counter-drone measures, the situation serves as a reminder that modern border security involves not just traditional deployments but also technological vigilance, timely intelligence, and coordinated responses across military and civilian domains. The coming weeks are likely to see heightened alertness along J&K and western Rajasthan, as authorities monitor for any further incursions or provocations.

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