Operation Sindoor and the Advent of Drone Warfare

In May 2025, in the midst of Operation Sindoor, India saw the onslaught of over 600 drones by Pakistan, which were downed by the Indian defence. This undid the bolt on strategic drone use in the India-Pakistan conflict, illustrating the disruption of traditional defence measures, compelling India to reevaluate its strategic posture and operational preparedness. Hybrid warfare has transformed the battlefield, enabling both state and non-state actors to execute targeted attacks using drones with minimal risk while exposing new weaknesses in traditional defence mechanisms. The future of drone use will also venture into automation, opening new facets of decision-making and accountability, with even further reduced risk for the deploying party.

This roundtable will bring forth stakeholders to discuss lessons for operations from Sindoor, with an emphasis on how India’s military doctrine will adapt to and incorporate drones, particularly in defence readiness and counterterrorism. What are the broader implications of drone warfare for India's defence strategy? Through this conversation, we will discuss not just the changing role of drones in contemporary warfare but also the tactical and strategic reactions to counter-drone operations. How can India enhance its countermeasures in response to more advanced drone threats? How can India retool its defence infrastructure and military strategy to stay ahead of these new threats in an era of advanced technological developments?