Delhi is conducting a comprehensive two-day anti-terror preparedness exercise across more than 10 strategic locations in the national capital. Organized by the Delhi Police in collaboration with multiple agencies, these mock drills aim to assess and enhance emergency response mechanisms and inter-agency coordination in the face of potential terrorist threats. The exercises, which began at 12 PM on July 17, follow a large-scale drill conducted at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station in June 2025 and come amid heightened security concerns following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm, cooperate, and avoid spreading rumors during this critical initiative to bolster Delhi’s security framework.
Context and Background
The anti-terror mock drills are a response to evolving security challenges, particularly in light of the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir. This incident, one of the deadliest since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, prompted India’s Operation Sindoor, a military strike targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, 2025. The operation, coupled with escalating India-Pakistan tensions, led to nationwide civil defense drills in May 2025 across 244 districts, including Delhi, to prepare for complex threats like aerial strikes and terrorist attacks.
Delhi, as the national capital and a high-profile target, requires robust preparedness. The July 17-18 drills build on earlier exercises, such as the June 27-28, 2025, drill at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, which simulated chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, terrorist attacks, and hostage situations. The current exercise, involving over 594 personnel from various agencies, aims to test response capabilities in real-time scenarios across densely populated and strategically significant locations.
Details of the Anti-Terror Drills
The two-day exercise, commencing at 12 PM on July 17 and continuing at the same time on July 18, involves a coordinated effort by multiple agencies, including:
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Delhi Police Special Cell: The nodal anti-terror unit leading the operation.
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SWAT Units: Specialized teams for high-risk scenarios like hostage rescue.
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Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): Securing metro stations and other critical infrastructure.
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National Security Guard (NSG): Elite counter-terrorism force for specialized operations.
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National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): Handling disaster scenarios like bomb blasts.
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Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Metro Rail Police (DMRP), and Traffic Police: Ensuring rapid response and crowd management.
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Intelligence Bureau (IB), New Delhi Municipal Committee (NDMC), and Disaster Control Department (DCD): Providing intelligence and logistical support.
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Medical Teams and Civil Defense Volunteers: Supporting evacuation and emergency medical response.
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Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs): Facilitating community cooperation.
The drills, conducted at over 10 undisclosed locations selected for their strategic significance, simulate complex scenarios such as:
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Incident Command: Testing communication from headquarters to field units.
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Hostage Rescue Missions: Practicing rapid response to terrorist takeovers.
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Evacuation Operations: Ensuring safe civilian movement from high-risk zones.
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Detection of Secondary Devices: Identifying hidden explosives post-attack.
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Suspect Screening and Crowd Management: Maintaining order in chaotic scenarios.
Senior officials, including G Shivakumar (DIG/DMRC) and Ashok Jalwaniya (Sr. Commandant), are closely monitoring the drills to identify operational gaps and ensure efficiency. A debriefing session led by senior officers will follow to analyze outcomes and plan improvements.
Public and Official Reactions
Authorities have emphasized public cooperation, urging residents to remain calm and avoid panic due to increased security presence. Posts on X reflect public awareness, with @CNNnews18 stating, “The drill will be conducted across 10 different locations and the authorities have urged people to not to fall prey to rumours.” Similarly, @ZeeNewsEnglish highlighted the “mega anti-terror drills” as a high-alert measure, garnering significant engagement.
However, some X users expressed concerns about disruptions, with one noting, “Hope these drills don’t cause traffic chaos in Delhi!” Others praised the initiative, with @thepsylentman posting, “NSG, Delhi Police etc will be participating to check preparedness & response. People are advised to extend cooperation and avoid falling for rumors, misunderstandings!” The Delhi Police and PIB have actively used social media to counter misinformation, ensuring public trust.
Politically, the drills align with the government’s focus on national security post-Pahalgam. The Congress party, critical of the government’s foreign policy as of July 17, 2025, has not directly commented on the drills but has called for greater transparency in security measures, potentially amplifying scrutiny.
Significance for National Security
The July 17-18 drills have several implications:
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Enhanced Preparedness: By simulating real-world terror scenarios, the exercises strengthen Delhi’s ability to respond to attacks, crucial given its status as a prime target.
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Inter-Agency Coordination: The involvement of multiple stakeholders tests seamless collaboration, addressing gaps exposed in past incidents.
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Public Awareness: Engaging RWAs and civilians builds community resilience, a key component of modern counter-terrorism strategies.
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Geopolitical Context: The drills signal India’s proactive stance amid tensions with Pakistan, reinforcing deterrence post-Operation Sindoor.
Economically, the drills may cause temporary disruptions in busy areas like Connaught Place or metro stations but are expected to boost confidence in Delhi’s security infrastructure, supporting tourism and business continuity. Culturally, they underscore the need for public vigilance without compromising daily life.
Challenges and Criticisms
The drills face several challenges:
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Public Disruption: Increased security presence and traffic diversions may inconvenience residents, particularly in high-traffic areas.
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Misinformation Risks: Despite official advisories, rumors on social media could cause panic, as seen in past drills.
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Resource Intensity: Coordinating 594 personnel across 10+ locations strains resources, requiring meticulous planning.
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Sustainability: Frequent drills, while necessary, must balance preparedness with public fatigue to maintain cooperation.
Critics argue that the government should prioritize addressing root causes of terrorism, such as cross-border infiltration, alongside drills. The opposition’s broader critique of the Modi government’s silence on China’s role in supporting Pakistan during Operation Sindoor may also frame these drills as reactive rather than strategic.
Path Forward
To maximize the drills’ impact, authorities should:
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Enhance Public Communication: Use X and other platforms to provide real-time updates and counter misinformation effectively.
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Minimize Disruptions: Schedule drills to avoid peak hours and coordinate with traffic police to manage congestion.
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Strengthen Community Involvement: Expand RWA and volunteer training to build grassroots resilience.
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Integrate Lessons Learned: Use debriefing insights to update counter-terrorism protocols and address operational gaps.
The anti-terror mock drills across Delhi on July 17-18, 2025, represent a critical step in fortifying the national capital’s preparedness against evolving terrorist threats. Involving over 594 personnel from agencies like the Delhi Police, NSG, and CISF, the exercises test coordination and response in high-stakes scenarios, building on lessons from the June 2025 Rajiv Chowk drill and the May 2025 nationwide exercises post-Pahalgam attack. As Delhi navigates heightened security concerns, public cooperation and robust inter-agency collaboration will be key to ensuring safety. These drills, monitored closely by senior officials, reaffirm India’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens while maintaining resilience in a complex geopolitical landscape.
