India has commenced Exercise ‘Trishul’, a major tri-Service military drill along the western border with Pakistan, showcasing the joint operational capability and strategic preparedness of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The large-scale exercise, which began on October 30 and will continue until November 10, is being conducted across Gujarat and Rajasthan. It aims to enhance interoperability, coordination, and mission readiness among the three Services in a joint operational environment.
Phased Operations Across Services
The Indian Navy is spearheading the opening phase of Exercise Trishul, followed by the Indian Army in the second phase, and the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the concluding stage. The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Indian Coast Guard are also participating as auxiliary forces, reinforcing India’s integrated approach to national security and coastal defence.
Massive Force Deployment
Over 20,000 troops are participating in the drills, supported by T-90S Bhishma and Arjun Mk-II tanks, attack helicopters, Rafale and Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, as well as missile systems, frigates, and destroyers. The exercise includes joint strike missions, coordinated ground-air assaults, and real-time information sharing between land, sea, and air platforms to simulate full-spectrum combat scenarios.
Strengthening Joint Command Structures
A senior defence official stated that Exercise Trishul underscores India’s growing focus on joint planning and integrated command structures, vital for addressing modern security challenges. The drills reflect India’s shift toward a unified theatre command framework, aimed at ensuring seamless coordination across the armed forces in wartime and crisis situations.
Regional Context and Preparedness
The exercise comes amid heightened regional activity. Ahead of Trishul’s commencement, Pakistan announced changes in several flight routes affecting the Karachi and Lahore regions, a move seen as precautionary amid the large-scale Indian drills.
Earlier this month, on October 2, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had issued a strong message to Pakistan, cautioning against any misadventure in the Sir Creek area. “A route to Karachi passes through Sir Creek,” he said, warning that any act of aggression “will be met with a resounding response that will change both history and geography.”
Strategic Significance
Exercise Trishul demonstrates India’s ability to conduct integrated, high-intensity operations across multiple domains — land, air, and sea — in the western theatre. It reaffirms India’s commitment to operational readiness, joint-force synergy, and credible deterrence in safeguarding its national interests and territorial integrity.
