40 km from Pak border, Bhuj frontline holds firm a year after Pahalgam

On April 22, 2025, a terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians, prompting a swift military response from India. In early May, the armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting infrastructure linked to terror groups and carrying out retaliatory strikes on several Pakistani military bases. The operation not only underscored India’s deterrence posture but also signalled a shift in its defence doctrine.

A year later, I travelled to Bhuj—one of the most strategic and challenging frontline sectors on the western front, about 40 km from the Pakistan border. This is not just another military outpost; it was among the areas Pakistan attempted to target during Operation Sindoor. Even today, the weight of that moment is palpable.

WHERE THE LAND ITSELF BECOMES A CHALLENGE

My journey began in Bhuj, a region steeped in history. Once a major port city in the 15th century, it is home to landmarks such as Lakhpat Fort and Aina Mahal, reminders of its architectural richness and past prosperity. That trajectory was disrupted by devastating earthquakes, including the one in the 18th century that reshaped the region’s geography, and the 2001 quake that ravaged lives and infrastructure. Yet Bhuj rebuilt itself and today stands as a key industrial and energy hub, with cement plants, windmills and salt refineries.

While tourists flock to the Rann of Kutch to witness its vast salt desert and vibrant culture, defence reporting offers access to places rarely seen. About 150 kilometres ahead, the landscape began to change—roads grew quieter, the terrain more rugged and untouched. The silence was striking, broken only by the wind. Soon, the Creek region came into view.

This sensitive stretch near the India-Pakistan border remains largely unseen due to security restrictions. It was my second visit here in over a decade of defence reporting, the first being with the Indian Coast Guard in 2021. The terrain is unforgiving—a mix of marshland, mangroves, creeks and sea. The air smells of salt, the ground feels unstable, and every step is uncertain. Yet, this is where the Indian Army operates with complete control.

CREEK WARFARE AND INDIA’S SEAMLESS COMBAT GRID

What I witnessed here was both intense and precise. Fast patrol boats sliced through narrow channels, air defence guns stood ready, drones hovered overhead, specialised terrain vehicles moved cautiously, and infantry units held strategic positions—everything functioning as part of an integrated system.

The six creeks in this sector span nearly 96 kilometres. On one side lie salty marshes; on the other, dense mangroves teeming with hidden dangers. Despite the hostile terrain, the Army maintains dominance across land and water, with specialised commandos patrolling confidently.

THE SHIELD THAT HELD BHUJ’S SKIES

The battle drills resembled real-time operations—enemy positions identified swiftly and neutralised with precision. Soldiers equipped with AK-203 rifles and modern weaponry moved with calm efficiency. Every action was coordinated and controlled.

The air defence network stood out. L-70 guns, drones and radar systems remain constantly active. During Operation Sindoor, this shield protected Bhuj’s skies, intercepting multiple Pakistani drones. Many of the soldiers involved have since been recognised for their bravery. Today, they remain quietly vigilant.

The terrain itself remains a constant challenge. Marshes shift with tides, the ground is unpredictable, and mobility is limited. Yet the Army has adapted, turning these constraints into operational strengths.

PREPARED BEFORE THE ESCALATION, READY LONG AFTER IT

Following the April 2025 attack, the Army had already reinforced its presence in this sector. Air defence systems, patrol boats, radar surveillance, infantry, tanks and artillery were all deployed. Coordination with the Air Force, Navy, BSF and Coast Guard ensured a unified response posture.

A NEW WAR DOCTRINE TAKING SHAPE

Operational dominance in the creek area continues. Patrol vessels manoeuvre with precision, while specialised drone units—Ashni platoons—reflect the evolving nature of warfare. At a drone training facility, soldiers undergo rigorous preparation, from simulators to real-world obstacle courses, adapting continuously to modern combat requirements.

THE RANN: SILENT, EXPOSED AND UNFORGIVING

Further ahead lies the Rann of Kutch, stretching to within 40 km of the Pakistan border. As I moved closer, the landscape opened into a vast white expanse—silent, harsh and almost surreal. This area, too, was targeted during Operation Sindoor, but Indian forces responded swiftly, neutralising aerial threats and retaining control.

MASTERING THE TERRAIN, NOT JUST DEFENDING IT

The Rann is disorienting. There are no clear landmarks, the ground shifts constantly, and temperatures are extreme. Mirages blur the horizon, making perception itself unreliable. Walking on the soft, saline surface is physically taxing; humidity drains energy quickly.

Yet, the Army operates here with tanks, artillery, air defence systems and drones—fully deployed and alert. The preparations made during Operation Sindoor remain intact, with regular drills ensuring constant readiness. While it was challenging to spend even a few hours in these conditions, soldiers continue to operate here daily, enduring temperatures that soared to 50°C during April-May 2025.

Repeated drills have honed efficiency—from handling artillery to mounting and dismounting air defence systems. The precision and discipline reflect a high level of preparedness.

I also spoke to Brigadier Neeraj Khajuria, Commander of the 75 (Independent) Infantry Brigade, who said the Army delivered a strong response during the operation and remains fully prepared with all assets on the ground. Warfare in the Rann and creeks, he noted, is unconventional—a battle not just against an adversary, but against terrain, weather and uncertainty. It is a challenge the Indian Army has learned to master.

BHUJ’S MESSAGE: INDIA IS READY

Operation Sindoor underscored the growing role of drone warfare. In Bhuj, however, the air defence grid proved resilient. Systems such as the L-70 guns demonstrated their effectiveness against aerial threats.

This sector exemplifies India’s integrated combat capability, where artillery, armour, drones and infantry operate in seamless coordination. Operation Sindoor was not merely defensive—it showcased India’s ability to respond decisively and maintain control on its own terms.

The message from Bhuj is clear: India remains prepared and vigilant. Any misadventure across the border will not only be countered, but defeated.

Standing amid the vast Rann and silent creeks, it became evident that this is not just about marking an anniversary. It is about sustained readiness. In one of the country’s harshest terrains, the Indian Army stands firm—watchful, prepared and a step ahead.

- Ends