Pakistan imposes airspace restrictions ahead of India’s ‘Trishul’ exercise

New Delhi, Oct 25: Pakistan has imposed airspace restrictions across its central and southern regions just days before India’s tri-services military exercise, ‘Trishul’, near the Sir Creek area along the border.

The restrictions, notified through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for October 28–29, come shortly after India announced its own NOTAM for the large-scale exercise scheduled from October 30 to November 10, reports ABP Live and national media.

Defence analysts believe Pakistan’s move may be linked to preparations for a military drill or a possible weapons test. The step reflects the continuing pattern of reciprocal military activity between the two neighbours following Operation Sindoor. Satellite imagery shared by independent observers indicates that the airspace reserved for Trishul extends up to 28,000 feet, suggesting one of the largest joint operational exercises in recent years. The exercise will see coordinated participation of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to demonstrate joint combat readiness, self-reliance, and technological innovation, reports national and regional media.

Trishul is set to cover diverse and challenging terrains, including offensive operations in the creek and desert sectors, amphibious drills off the Saurashtra coast, and multi-domain warfare simulations. The exercise’s location near the Sir Creek–Sindh–Karachi axis adds to its strategic importance, particularly as tensions remain high in the region.  Sir Creek, a 96-km-long marshland dividing Gujarat and Pakistan’s Sindh province, holds significant maritime and security value. Control over the area influences access to key sea routes and coastal defences, making it a focal point of both countries’ strategic planning. India’s upcoming Trishul exercise, against this backdrop, is seen as a strong demonstration of operational preparedness and regional deterrence.