The Indian Army successfully conducted a large-scale military drill known as “Exercise Teesta Prahar” at the Teesta Field Firing Range in North Bengal from January 21 to January 31, 2023. This extensive exercise was highlighted in a social media post by the Trishakti Corps, showcasing the participation of various military formations including Infantry, Artillery, Armoured Corps, Mechanised Infantry, Special Forces, Aviation units, Engineers, and Signals. The event was characterized by remarkable coordination and interoperability among these diverse branches.
The primary objective of Exercise Teesta Prahar was to validate the operational readiness of the armed forces, emphasizing joint operations and technology-driven warfare. The drill prioritized rapid troop mobility and high-altitude combat capabilities. A notable aspect of the exercise was the Integrated Fire Power Exercise, where assets from the Indian Air Force and Airborne Special Forces collaborated within a fully networked environment, illustrating the Army’s advancements in modern warfare.
In conjunction with its military objectives, the exercise took place amidst environmental concerns surrounding the Teesta Field Firing Range. The West Bengal government issued a request in March 2023 for the Army to consider relocating the range due to wildlife safety issues. This request came in light of several incidents during live-fire drills that resulted in the deaths of four elephants, thereby raising critical issues about the need to balance defense readiness with ecological preservation.
Despite these challenges, Exercise Teesta Prahar affirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining combat readiness and highlighted the importance of continuous training integrated with advanced technologies. The exercise serves as a reminder of the dual responsibilities the armed forces face: ensuring national security while also safeguarding environmental interests.
