The manoeuvres involving 20,000 troops and 200 Russian-made tanks are due to begin in Rajasthan next month.—AFP/File

NEW DELHI: The Indian military is to conduct one of its largest mock war drills —involving 20,000 troops —close to the country's border with Pakistan, an official said on Monday.

The manoeuvres, named Shoorveer or Brave Warrior, which will also involve 200 Russian-made tanks, are due to begin in the deserts of India's state of Rajasthan next month, army spokesman colonel Jagdeep Dahiya told AFP.

“The exercise will be one of the largest manoeuvres conducted so far,” he said, adding that latest warplanes would be factored into the drills, which are scheduled to end in May.

In a separate statement the military said tanks, frontline combat vehicles, artillery, helicopters, fighter jets, drones, air-defence weapons and military radars would be part of the exercise.

Another military source said the event would be held less than 200 kilometres (124 miles) from the highly militarised border with Pakistan.

Dahiya dismissed fears the exercise —to be conducted by an elite military corps raised only for cross-border assault —would crank up tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.

“We do inform Pakistan in advance whenever such large-scale exercises are conducted by us,” the army colonel added.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.