Border security incidents like these repeated drone sightings along the LoC always keep me on edge—they underscore how fragile the peace is and how technology enables constant probing without direct confrontation. On January 15, 2026, BSF personnel in Samba's Ramgarh sector detected suspected Pakistani drones near the border in Keso Mahansan village, swiftly firing small arms to challenge and deter them, forcing retreat without breach. Simultaneously, a drone-like object hovered for ten minutes over Degwar village in Poonch around 7:30 pm, met with similar response.

This marks the third sighting in a week, following multiple intrusions in Rajouri's Dungala-Nabla area. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi had warned Pakistan just a day earlier on January 14, putting them "on notice" over UAV activities deemed unacceptable, noting DGMO-level talks raised concerns and instructions to rein in drones. He described them as small defensive types likely monitoring Indian movements. Recent months saw similar neutralized activities in Punjab and Jammu sectors.

Winter typically reduces physical infiltrations but increases tech surveillance. Forces maintain heightened vigil with advanced detection and countermeasures. In my view, this pattern signals persistent intent to test defenses and gather intel—concerning escalation risk in tense relations. Diplomacy and confidence-building measures remain essential to prevent miscalculations that could spiral. Hoping calm prevails, protecting soldiers and civilians on both sides from unnecessary provocation.