New Delhi, January 13, 2026: The Indian Army has formally raised concerns with Pakistan regarding repeated drone intrusions along the India-Pakistan border, issuing a warning to exercise control over such operations. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi confirmed the issue during the annual press conference of the Indian Army on Tuesday, outlining the nature of the incursions and the defensive measures undertaken by Indian forces.

Army Raises Issue at DGMO-Level Talks

The matter was reportedly discussed during the weekly Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level meeting between Indian and Pakistani military officials. General Dwivedi said the head of Pakistan’s military operations had been explicitly told to curb drone activity across the border. “Lagaam lagaiye,” the Army chief stated, signaling a clear expectation of restraint and accountability from Pakistan’s armed forces.

“The situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains sensitive but is firmly under control,” General Dwivedi reassured, while providing details on the recent drone sightings.

Details of Drone Sightings

According to the Army chief, the drones spotted in early January were small and equipped with lights, flying at relatively low altitudes. Six drones were observed on January 10, with two to three more detected on January 11 and 12.

“These, I believe, were defensive drones, trying to gauge whether any action was being taken against us,” General Dwivedi explained. “It is possible they were also checking for gaps in the Indian Army’s deployment or for potential pathways to send in terrorists. I believe they must have received a negative response, seeing that there is no such gap as of today.”

Drone Incidents Along the Border

Drone activity has been reported across multiple locations along the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan and Jammu & Kashmir. In Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, a suspicious drone was spotted on Monday night hovering over a gas-based thermal power plant near the international border. Police confirmed that flying drones in the area is strictly prohibited without prior authorization. Eyewitnesses reported the drone circling the plant for nearly an hour around 10 pm, prompting local authorities to launch a probe.

Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, a few drones suspected to be from Pakistan were observed along the Line of Control in the Naushera-Rajouri sector on Sunday night. Indian Army troops promptly responded with counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) measures, forcing the drones to return. Defence sources cited by ANI confirmed that these actions are part of standard defensive protocols to secure sensitive border locations.

Strategic Implications

General Dwivedi indicated that such drone incursions are primarily reconnaissance in nature, aimed at monitoring Indian troop movements or testing the alertness of Indian defences. By warning Pakistan at the DGMO level, the Indian Army sought to convey that any further drone activity along the border is unacceptable and will be met with decisive countermeasures.

The Army chief highlighted that India maintains vigilant surveillance and rapid response capabilities along the border, with continuous monitoring of any unusual aerial activity. The DGMO-level communication was intended to reinforce accountability and signal that India is prepared to respond effectively to any security threats posed by drone operations from across the border.

Local and Civilian Impact

The drone incidents, especially over infrastructure like the thermal power plant in Jaisalmer, have raised security concerns among local authorities and residents. The presence of drones in sensitive areas has prompted additional patrols, stricter security measures, and enhanced monitoring of civilian spaces near strategic installations.

The Army’s counter-UAS operations in Jammu and Kashmir reflect an ongoing effort to neutralize potential aerial threats, protect personnel and infrastructure, and prevent intelligence-gathering by adversarial elements. Authorities have emphasized that such measures are precautionary and defensive, aiming to maintain peace along the borders while deterring hostile reconnaissance attempts.

Indian Army Stance

General Dwivedi reiterated that India’s military posture remains robust and responsive. The warning to Pakistan is part of a broader strategy to maintain border integrity, prevent infiltration, and ensure that cross-border provocations do not escalate into broader conflict.

By publicly addressing the drone incursions, the Army chief also aimed to send a clear message both domestically and internationally that India is vigilant about protecting its borders and critical infrastructure from emerging aerial threats.

With the situation under close observation, the Indian Army continues to deploy surveillance assets, including ground-based radars and counter-drone systems, to secure vulnerable areas along the border. Authorities have also urged residents and local officials in sensitive regions to remain alert and report unusual activity to law enforcement and defence agencies.

The message to Pakistan, succinctly put as “Lagaam lagaiye,” underscores India’s expectation of restraint, while signaling its readiness to respond decisively to any violations of its airspace.