Days after the cross-border strikes between India and Pakistan, the Indian Army went door-to-door in the shelling-affected areas of Poonch near the LoC. The Army jawans provided residents with medicines and rations, and also interacted with the local people caught in the recent cross-border tensions. Locals were deeply moved by the gesture. A resident of Poonch said, "We stayed here even during the war-like situation. The Army that fought for us--we stayed here because of them, as they are fighting for us and are without their families. It`s because of them that we are living today..."

India just conducted its first nationwide emergency drill since 1971, involving multiple cities and security forces. In this exclusive interview, Colonel Gaurav Bali explains how such drills enhance national preparedness, especially in dense urban environments like Mumbai. Col. Bali also shares his thoughts on the army’s readiness, inter-agency coordination, and the role of civilians in responding to national emergencies as India-Pakistan tensions escalate.