Pakistan on Saturday issued a naval navigational warning for a firing exercise in the same area where India has reserved airspace for its ongoing tri-services military drill, Exercise Trishul. The development was first reported by open-source intelligence (OSINT) analyst Damien Symon.
The move follows Islamabad’s recent Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), which restricted several air routes across central and southern Pakistan between October 28 and 29. Although no official reason was cited, defence analysts believe it may be linked to a military exercise or weapons test timed to coincide with India’s large-scale operation.
India’s Exercise Trishul, being held from October 30 to November 10 near the Sir Creek region along the Pakistan border, is described by the Defence Ministry as one of the country’s most significant joint military operations in recent years. The drill aims to demonstrate joint capabilities, Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and technological innovation.
Satellite imagery shared by Symon shows that India has reserved airspace up to 28,000 feet for the exercise, underscoring its scale. The Defence Ministry said the drills involve amphibious operations off the Saurashtra coast, offensive manoeuvres in the creek and desert sectors, and coordinated missions across air, land, and sea.
“Troops from the Southern Command will actively participate to validate joint operations across diverse terrains,” the statement added.
Pakistan’s naval and airspace restrictions appear to reflect close monitoring of India’s border manoeuvres. Such tit-for-tat signalling has become common since Operation Sindoor — India’s joint response to the Pahalgam attack — when Indian forces struck multiple terror camps and military installations across the border. Since then, both nations have routinely issued NOTAMs and exercise alerts in overlapping regions as part of ongoing strategic messaging.
Defence experts say the recent overlap points to mutual deterrence rather than imminent escalation. “This is calibrated signalling, both sides asserting readiness,” said a regional military analyst. “But when such activities occur in the same area, the risk of misinterpretation inevitably increases.”
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