On Thursday evening (15 January 2026), multiple suspected Pakistani drones were sighted over the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir’s Poonch, Samba and Ramgarh sectors, prompting Indian security forces to activate anti-unmanned aerial system (anti-UAS) defences and, in some cases, fire shots in the air to deter the objects.

Troops remain on high alert amid heightened tensions following a series of recent drone incidents, including several sightings in the past week and an alleged arms drop recovered earlier this month. The Indian Army Chief has warned Pakistan to rein in such intrusions, terming them “unacceptable” and emphasising India’s resolve to safeguard its borders. Pakistan has rejected some claims as provocative.

Drone Incursions and Frontline Responses

According to defence sources, the latest sightings occurred as evening fell on Thursday, when unidentified drones were seen hovering near forward posts along the LoC in Poonch and over the Ramgarh sector of Samba district along the IB. In response, Indian troops activated counter-UAS measures, deploying electronic surveillance and defensive systems to detect and track the aerial objects.

In the Poonch sector, a drone-like object was observed close to military positions, triggering deployment of anti-drone defences. Simultaneously, another drone was alleged to have hovered over the Ramgarh region near the IB, once again activating security protocols. Earlier in the week, in the Rajouri district, Army personnel had opened fire at suspected drones entering Indian airspace from across the LoC as a standard operating response to prevent potential security threats.

Defence officials say all troops along these sensitive border areas have been instructed to remain vigilant, and anti-drone procedures continue to be exercised to prevent any breach of territorial integrity. These operations include the use of radar systems, surveillance optics and electronic jamming equipment, as well as manual engagement when required to deter objects that intrude into Indian airspace.

Despite the visuals and sightings, no casualties or confirmed successful infiltrations have been reported in the latest incidents. However, the frequency of such aerial incursions has raised concerns at both operational and strategic levels within Indian defence circles.

Pattern of Drone Activity and Strategic Context

The recent sightings are not isolated events. They follow a series of drone incursions and alleged attempts along the IB and LoC over the past week and beyond. Security agencies report at least three drone sightings within four days leading up to Thursday, including multiple incidents across Samba, Poonch and Rajouri districts.

Earlier this month, on 9 January 2026, security forces recovered an alleged consignment of weapons including pistols, magazines, ammunition and a grenade that was believed to have been dropped by a drone near Paloora village in Samba district, triggering deeper scrutiny of drone-borne smuggling or infiltration tactics.

These events are occurring against the backdrop of long-standing border tensions between India and Pakistan, especially over Jammu & Kashmir. India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of supporting militant groups and facilitating cross-border activities, including the use of drones for surveillance, ammunition drops or probing weaknesses in Indian defences. Meanwhile, Pakistan has routinely denied these claims, at times characterising media reports on drone sightings as potential false flag narratives designed to stoke tension and justify securitised responses.

The Indian Army has maintained that it remains prepared for evolving threats, including unmanned aerial platforms. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has publicly stated that India has placed Pakistan “on notice” over repeated drone sightings, underlining that such activities are “not acceptable” and that firm responses will follow any misadventure.

A senior military official confirmed that concerns were raised at the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) level during communications with Pakistan, emphasising restraint and respect for existing understandings.

The surge in drone activity comes at a time when nationwide security preparedness is intensifying, especially as major national events and anniversaries approach. Indian defence sources cited by media have described the drones as mostly small, potentially reconnaissance-oriented units, possibly probing Indian positions or testing defence responses, though definitive evidence on intent remains limited.

Regional and Diplomatic Dimensions

India’s approach to these incidents combines military readiness with diplomatic signalling. By publicly raising objections through formal channels and issuing warnings to Pakistan, New Delhi seeks to underscore that cross-border aerial intrusions, whether for surveillance or logistical support to militants, will not be tolerated. At the same time, Indian officials emphasise that their response remains measured and focused on deterrence rather than escalation.

From Islamabad’s perspective, some commentators have framed repeated Indian reports as sensationalised or politically motivated, urging restraint in interpreting unverified sightings as hostile acts. However, official Pakistani responses to the specific incidents this week have been limited, with no detailed denials or acknowledgements issued through formal defence channels at the time of reporting.

Analysts note that drones have increasingly featured in asymmetric warfare and border security challenges globally, offering both tactical utility and ambiguity. Along the India–Pakistan border, rugged terrain, sparse monitoring infrastructure in forward areas and smaller unmanned aerial systems have complicated efforts to reliably attribute intent or origin in every case.

Nonetheless, defence planners view these incursions as part of a broader pattern that necessitates enhanced counter-drone capabilities and real-time information sharing across branches of the security establishment.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

While safeguarding national security and territorial sovereignty is an unmistakable duty of any state, recurring drone incursions and the rhetoric surrounding them highlight deeper challenges that transcend mere tactical responses.

These incidents underscore the fragility of peace along the India–Pakistan border, where understandable fear and suspicion can be aggravated by technology that is inherently ambiguous in purpose and ownership. The repeated sightings whether genuinely hostile, surveillance-oriented or even misidentified objects remind us that logic and empathy must guide public interpretation and policy responses, even as security forces remain vigilant.

At The Logical Indian, we recognise that security and peace are not mutually exclusive; robust defence mechanisms and proactive diplomacy must work in tandem. Escalating militarisation or inflammatory narratives can inadvertently widen the chasm between communities already affected by decades of conflict, fear and loss. Instead, transparent dialogue, verified communication channels and multilateral monitoring mechanisms can help reduce mistrust, verify incidents promptly and prevent miscalculations that might spiral into larger confrontations.