Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, visited the National Security Guard (NSG) Training Academy in Manesar, Haryana, and observed the 12th edition of AGNI PARIKSHA, the NSG’s annual national-level Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (Counter-IED) exercise.
The exercise brought together personnel from State Police forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS) and other first responders tasked with dealing with terrorism-related threats. According to the report, the event served as one of the largest assemblies of specialised counter-terrorism and bomb disposal personnel, with the stated aim of improving coordination, preparedness and response against IED threats.
During the visit, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh met trainees taking part in the first Mahila Commando Conversion Course at the NSG Training Academy. He encouraged the women personnel to pursue excellence in specialised counter-terrorism operations and underlined the importance of their growing participation in demanding operational roles.
The Minister was briefed on the NSG’s advanced training infrastructure, specialised operational capabilities and the National IED Data Management System, which is used to collect and manage information related to improvised explosive devices.
Officials also apprised him of the NSG’s international training initiatives and exchange programmes. These, the report said, are intended to support cooperation, knowledge sharing and the adoption of advanced counter-terrorism practices.
The visit also reflected the NSG’s continuing focus on realistic training, technological advancement and inter-agency cooperation to strengthen India’s counter-terrorism preparedness.
AGNI PARIKSHA remains an annual platform for specialised security personnel from across India to exchange operational experience and improve coordination among agencies responsible for responding to terrorist threats.
The first Mahila Commando Conversion Course, launched in August 2026, is described as a significant initiative for equipping women personnel from State Police forces and CAPFs with advanced counter-terrorism skills, including weapons handling, tactical operations, hostage rescue and specialised intervention techniques.
Through initiatives such as AGNI PARIKSHA and the Mahila Commando Conversion Course, the NSG is expanding specialised training capability and strengthening the network of skilled first responders across the country, reinforcing its role as a premier counter-terrorism force in India’s national security framework.
