Indian states bordering Pakistan postpone ‘Operation Shield’ civil defence exercise

Several states and Union Territories along India’s western border have postponed the civil defence exercise ‘Operation Shield’, which was originally scheduled for 29 May 2025. The decision to delay the exercise has been taken due to administrative reasons, affecting key border states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

The Rajasthan Home Department issued an official communication stating:

“It is hereby intimated that the Civil Defence Exercise ‘Operation Shield’, which was planned to be held on 29.05.2025 is hereby postponed due to administrative reasons.”

Authorities have been instructed to inform all Controllers of Civil Defence and other stakeholders involved in the exercise. The communication further requested:

“It is requested that necessary directions to all the Controllers of Civil Defence and other stakeholders, may be issued accordingly.”

The department added that the revised dates for the exercise would be announced in due course:

“Next dates for the exercise shall be issued subsequently.”

Similar Postponements in Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh

Following Rajasthan’s decision, the exercise has also been postponed in Gujarat and Chandigarh owing to administrative difficulties. Haryana too confirmed the delay of the drill scheduled for 29 May.

Background: Importance of ‘Operation Shield’

The civil defence exercise was planned as a crucial drill for districts of states and Union Territories adjoining the western border — from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat. It aimed to enhance preparedness against air raids, missile strikes, and drone attacks by simulating responses to potential enemy assaults.

Earlier, the Directorate General of Fire Service and Home Guards had announced that Operation Shield would be conducted in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh, involving all local administrations and stakeholders. States and UTs were instructed to organise the exercise from 1700 hours onwards on Thursday.

On 7 May, the government had conducted its first nationwide civil defence exercise hours ahead of Operation Sindoor, underlining the significance of such preparedness drills.