Simultaneously, NOTAMs filed for the eastern theatre (Nov 6–Jan 15) signal coordinated assault drills opposite Bangladesh and Myanmar, with logistics convoys already rolling toward Siliguri.
Defence analysts call it strategic signalling 2.0. “Pakistan got the message in May when we flattened nine camps. Now China is getting the memo,” a senior MoD official told this correspondent.
Bhairav Battalions: 250-Man “Shock & Awe” Units Go Live
The Indian Army has operationalised five Bhairav Light Commando Battalions— 250 elite troopers each — trained for 72-hour raids 50 km inside enemy lines. First pictures released last week show them fast-roping from ALH Dhruvs at 14,000 ft near Leh. “They fill the gap between regular infantry and Para-SF,” Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, DG Infantry, confirmed on October 23. Another 20 battalions will stand up by March 2026.
China Hands Pakistan a New Eye in the Sky
On October 19, a Long March rocket lifted Pakistan’s HS-1 hyperspectral satellitefrom Jiuquan, China. Capable of spotting camouflaged bunkers through foliage, HS-1 slashes Islamabad’s dependence on Beijing’s real-time feeds — the same feeds that guided Pakistani missiles during Sindoor’s Phase-1. Three days later, on October 22, the two allies vowed to “deepen military cooperation for regional balance” — diplomatic code for “counter India”.
15 Micro-Camps, One Macro Threat
Intelligence intercepts reveal Pakistan has rebuilt 15 smaller, tech-hardened terror campsin PoK since the 90-day Sindoor truce. Each holds 20–25 jihadis, ringed by Chinese jammers and drone nests. “They’re betting on dispersion,” says a RAW officer. The rebuilt sites sit cheek-by-jowl with Pak Rangers posts, daring Indian strikes.
Leepa Valley Flash: Oct 27 Breach
At 2:17 a.m. on October 27, Pakistani 81-mm mortars lit up Indian posts in Leepa Valley — the first major ceasefire violationsince May 10. BSF jawans returned fire with Carl-Gustaf rockets; calm returned by dawn. Satellite imagery shows fresh trenches 400 m inside the old truce line.
Gilgit-Baltistan Gambit
Pakistani journalists claim Chinese instructors are training PAF pilots on J-35A stealth jetsat Skardu, 180 km from Kargil. While unverified, PLA transport planes have logged 11 sorties to the airfield since September. India has responded by forward-deploying two BrahMos regiments to eastern Ladakh.
US-India 10-Year Pact Sealed in Kuala Lumpur
On October 31, Rajnath Singh and US Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a 10-year Defence Frameworkon the sidelines of ADMM-Plus. The pact green-lights co-production of F414 engines, real-time ISR sharing and joint patrols in the Malacca Strait — a direct message to China’s “nine-dash” ambitions.
Sir Creek: The Next Flashpoint?
Islamists in Karachi are already calling Sir Creek “Pakistan’s Gaza”. Thalweg doctrine favours India; Pakistan insists on mid-channel. With winter tides lowering marsh levels, both navies have moved missile boats within 20 km. A single spark here could ignite a maritime round two.
Self-Reliance Mantra
PM Modi’s Diwali address to troops in Siachen reiterated: “Atmanirbharta is our shield.” Indigenous Sky Sabre air-defence batteries now guard every forward brigade, while Project Kusha (400-km SAM) enters user trials next month.
Bottom Line
Operation Trishul is not just an exercise — it is India’s loud answer to a converging China-Pak axis. Five Bhairav battalions, two NOTAM corridors, one hyperspectral eye overhead, and 15 ghost camps later, the message is crystal: cross the line again, and Phase-2 of Sindoor will write itself.
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