Opinion | Resurgence of Cross‑Border Infiltration and Countermeasures

Militant strategies are evolving with a blend of tech‑enabled tactics, such as drones and encrypted communications, and hybrid models that blur the lines between armed groups, sleeper cells, and criminal networks.

After a brief lull following “Operation Sindoor,” 2025 has witnessed a sharp resurgence of cross-border infiltration along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu & Kashmir. The volatile securit‑dynamic is being shaped by multiple shifts: evolving tactics, drone warfare, strategic planting of sleeper cells, and a blend of kinetic and non‑kinetic measures. In mid-May, Indian sources confirmed that 45–50 militants successfully crossed into Indian territory via sectors such as Uri, Kupwara, Samba, Heeranagar, and Sunderbani . These incursions were not the isolated skirmishes of earlier years; rather, they reflected a coordinated push, shielded by cover-fire tactics and artillery barrages from across the border.

On the night of May 8–9, a major infiltration attempt in the Samba sector triggered a multi-pronged response. The Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted and eliminated seven militants, even as Pakistani aerial drones—more than 180 sightings—buzzed the Punjab and Jammu sectors . Notably, the Indian Army also neutralized over 50 Pakistani swarm-drones during coordinated counter-UAS operations on the LoC and IB .The uptick in militant movement appears to be a reaction to India’s January–May initiative, “Operation Sindoor”—a precise targeting campaign against terror launchpads in Pakistan and POK. With Pakistan resuming ceasefire violations and drone intrusions, infiltrators have seized the temporary operational gap to attempt renewals of their foothold .

Reports from April indicate the Indian Army has intensified surveillance. Ground patrols, UAV reconnaissance, and thermal imaging are now standard along thawing mountain passes in Kupwara, Bandipora, and Bhaderwah. Parallel to infiltration, drone-based logistics has emerged as a disruptive tactic. Pakistan-based terror outfits are now deploying drones to deposit arms, ammunition, counterfeit currency, and narcotics into Jammu & Kashmir. This quiet, stealthy method allows them to bypass the detection risks of manned infiltration. In response, Indian forces have deployed counter-drone equipment and improved radar systems to detect low-flying UAVs.The National Investigation Agency (NIA), acting on fresh intelligence, raided 12 locations in Jammu in March, targeting suspected over-ground workers (OGWs) and facilitators for cross‑border infiltration. Nearly two dozen sites across Reasi, Udhampur, Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar were already probed in late 2024, yielding digital evidence of terror networks linked to LeT, JeM, Hizbul‑Mujahideen, and other outfits .

A particularly high-stakes episode occurred in Kupwara’s Jumagund on the night of January 15–16, when Indian Army units foiled what was described as the largest infiltration bid since 2021. Five heavily-armed militants, attempting to breach the Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS), were intercepted and killed in a joint operation. Authorities acknowledged the operation’s scale and precision as an indicator of increasing insurgent boldness.Complementing kinetic strikes, the BSF has deployed 25 km of anti‑tunnel trenches along vulnerable stretches of the IB in Jammu, Kathua, and Samba. Initiated following a spike in militant attacks, the trenches aim to intercept subterranean infiltration efforts.

Beyond physical barriers and surveillance, intelligence dominance remains decisive. The BSF’s Jammu Frontier noted that militants are returning to launch pads and preparing infiltration attempts again, underlining the need for heightened vigilance . Yet, high-level sources confirm that coordinated efforts between the army, BSF, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and central agencies are proving effective in preempting many such bids.Technology-driven countermeasures are stepping into sharper focus. Advanced radar surveillance, thermal imaging, motion sensors, AI‑powered pattern analysis, and signal intelligence (SIGINT) are being woven into a layered defense structure. On the ground, night-vision gear, aerial drones, and mobile observation vehicles support rapid response units. Meanwhile, integration with satellite monitoring adds an outer layer to the detection network .Civilians living near the LoC and IB are also essential participants. The reactivation of Village Defense Committees (VDCs) and community alert systems, combined with awareness campaigns, has created a cooperative environment where suspicious movement is flagged quickly and reliably. This grassroots intelligence often provides the first triggers for security alerts.

Soft power tools continue to counter militant narratives. Through Operation Sadbhavana, the Indian Army is further embedding social outreach: schools are constructed, healthcare delivered, and infrastructure improved in frontier villages. This approach creates a buffer against radicalisation and undercuts recruitment narratives.However, the challenge remains complex. Militant strategies are evolving with a blend of tech‑enabled tactics, such as drones and encrypted communications, and hybrid models that blur the lines between armed groups, sleeper cells, and criminal networks.To stay ahead, India must invest in counter‑drone squads, AI analytics for predictive threat detection, integrated surveillance grids, and resilient border infrastructure. At the diplomatic level, sustained pressure on Pakistan is essential to dismantle terror facilitation systems, including launch pads, logistic chains, and training camps.

The re-emergence of infiltration in 2025 represents a phase of strategic adaptation by militant groups—relying on drones, hybrid attacks, and covert entry routes. Yet, India’s response—anchored in intelligence-driven operations, technological sophistication, inter-agency synergy, and community integration—has prevented large-scale penetration. The border remains contested, but with continued commitment, cohesion, and innovation, India’s defense apparatus can sustain its edge. Resilience, vigilance, and proactive engagement will determine whether this resurgence is contained or escalates into broader conflict.

Writer can be reached on syedjahanzeeb2@gmail.com.