SOURCE: AFI
As geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan reach a boiling point in 2025, the specter of missile attacks on major Indian cities looms larger than ever before. The recent escalation, triggered by the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, has pushed the two nuclear-armed neighbors into a dangerous standoff.
With both nations now possessing advanced missile capabilities capable of striking each other’s urban centers, Indian civilians and authorities must brace for a potential conflict unlike any seen in the four wars fought between the two countries since 1947. For the first time, the threat of civilian casualties from missile strikes on major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru is a grim possibility, necessitating mental and logistical preparedness for a protracted and unprecedented conflict.
Historically, the wars between India and Pakistan in 1947, 1965, 1971, and 1999 were confined largely to border regions, with major Indian cities spared from direct attacks. However, the military landscape has evolved dramatically. Pakistan’s missile arsenal, including the Shaheen-III (2,750 km range), Abdali (450 km), and Babur cruise missiles, can now target deep inside Indian territory, including key metropolitan areas. India, in turn, has bolstered its capabilities with missiles like the Agni-V (5,000-8,000 km range), BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and the Nirbhay, which can strike anywhere in Pakistan. The recent test of Pakistan’s Abdali missile system, coupled with India’s advancements in hypersonic and ballistic missile technology, underscores the growing risk of long-range strikes that could target civilian populations.
Unlike past conflicts, where battles were fought along the Line of Control (LoC) or in remote areas, the 2025 standoff has raised fears of a war that could engulf urban centers. the unprecedented nature of this threat, with users noting that “both countries now have the means to rain destruction on each other’s cities, something we’ve never seen before.” The mutual capability to launch devastating missile strikes introduces a new dimension to the India-Pakistan rivalry, one that could result in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction if deterrence fails.
The Need for Civilian Preparedness
Indian civilians, unaccustomed to the prospect of direct attacks on major cities, must now confront the psychological and practical realities of such a scenario. The government and civil society need to prioritize preparedness to mitigate panic and loss of life. Key measures include:
- Civil Defense Drills: Regular missile attack drills in urban areas, similar to those conducted in countries like Israel, could familiarize citizens with evacuation procedures and shelter protocols. Schools, offices, and residential complexes should be equipped with clear guidelines for responding to air raid sirens or missile alerts.
- Public Shelters: India’s major cities lack adequate public bomb shelters. Authorities must invest in retrofitting existing infrastructure, such as metro stations and public buildings, to serve as safe havens during missile strikes. The government could also incentivize private builders to include shelters in new constructions.
- Early Warning Systems: India’s air defense systems, including the S-400 and indigenous Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems, are designed to intercept incoming missiles. However, public alert systems, such as mobile apps or sirens, need to be scaled up to ensure timely warnings reach millions in densely populated cities.
- Mental Health Support: The psychological toll of living under the threat of missile attacks cannot be underestimated. Public awareness campaigns and counseling services should be rolled out to help citizens cope with anxiety and build resilience, particularly for younger generations who have never experienced war-like conditions.
- Emergency Supplies: Households should be encouraged to maintain emergency kits with essentials like food, water, medical supplies, and communication devices to sustain themselves during potential disruptions caused by attacks or conflict-related shutdowns.
The ongoing tensions, marked by India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, trade bans, and Pakistan’s airspace closures, suggest that the current crisis may not resolve quickly. Both nations have fortified their military presence along the 3,323-km border, with India deploying additional troops and Pakistan conducting missile tests to signal readiness. The reciprocal closure of airspace and maritime restrictions, coupled with the voluntary avoidance of Pakistani airspace by major airlines like Lufthansa and Air France, indicates a prolonged standoff that could last years.
This near-constant state of alert along the border increases the risk of miscalculation, where a single incident—such as a cross-border skirmish or a misinterpreted missile test—could escalate into full-scale conflict. Indian cities, previously insulated from the direct consequences of war, are now within the range of Pakistan’s missile systems, making urban preparedness a national security imperative. As one X user starkly put it, “India’s cities are no longer safe havens. We need to be ready for the worst, mentally and physically.”
While India and Pakistan have avoided direct urban attacks in past wars, the technological advancements of 2025 demand a reevaluation of defense strategies. The 1999 Kargil War, fought in high-altitude terrain, and the 1971 war, which led to Bangladesh’s creation, were geographically limited conflicts. Today, the ability to strike deep into each other’s territory changes the calculus. A missile attack on a major Indian city could result in thousands of civilian deaths, cripple infrastructure, and trigger economic chaos, with ripple effects across South Asia.
India’s government has taken steps to bolster its defenses, including acquiring advanced radar systems and expanding its missile defense shield. However, civilian preparedness remains a weak link. Public awareness campaigns, modeled on Cold War-era civil defense programs, could bridge this gap by educating citizens about the risks and response strategies. Community-level initiatives, such as neighborhood watch groups trained in emergency response, could further enhance resilience.
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