Manesar, Haryana, November 3, 2026: The National Security Guard (NSG) has begun the 12th edition of its National Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise, Agni Pariksha-XII, at the NSG Training Academy in Manesar. The drill started on November 2, 2026, and is bringing together approximately 500 personnel from security organisations across the country.
The exercise includes members from 15 State Police Forces, three Union Territories and six Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). According to the information provided, the effort is meant to improve counter-terrorism preparedness through closer inter-agency cooperation, operational integration and joint training.
The inaugural session was chaired by the Inspector General of the NSG Training Academy, who delivered the opening address and underscored the value of jointness, operational synergy and coordination among security agencies while dealing with contemporary terrorism-related challenges.
The address highlighted that counter-terrorism operations depend on close cooperation between central and state security organisations, especially when rapid response, intelligence sharing and coordinated tactical action are required.
Exercise Agni Pariksha-XII is being used as a platform to strengthen collective counter-terrorism capability while also encouraging professional interaction and operational understanding among the participating forces.
The involvement of police personnel from multiple states and Union Territories, together with representatives of six CAPFs, points to the need for a coordinated national response to complex security threats.
Interoperability and shared procedures
Modern counter-terrorism operations often involve organisations with different operational responsibilities, jurisdictions and specialised capabilities. In that setting, coordination becomes essential for timely decision-making, efficient deployment of resources and effective execution of security operations.
The exercise is intended to improve interoperability among the participating forces by enabling the exchange of operational knowledge, professional experience and counter-terrorism practices.
It also gives security personnel an opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding of organisational procedures, communication requirements and the importance of coordinated responses during high-pressure situations.
The National Security Guard, India’s specialised counter-terrorism force, plays a critical role in responding to complex terrorist threats and other high-risk security situations. Its training infrastructure at Manesar serves as an important centre for developing specialised tactical capabilities and for promoting professional cooperation with other security organisations.
The commencement of Agni Pariksha-XII reflects the growing emphasis on integrated security preparedness, particularly as contemporary threats increasingly require coordinated action across multiple agencies.
The participation of 500 personnel underlines the scale of the exercise and the importance attached to strengthening counter-terrorism capabilities at the national level. Beyond operational learning, such joint drills also help build confidence, professional relationships and mutual trust among personnel from different security organisations.
The opening address reinforced the need for continuous training, effective communication and collective preparedness to address emerging security challenges. With its emphasis on jointness, integration and synergy, Exercise Agni Pariksha-XII represents another step towards strengthening India’s counter-terrorism response framework and enhancing cooperation between central and state security forces.
The exercise embodies the spirit of “Agni Pariksha – A Test of Courage, Character and Combat Excellence,” highlighting the commitment of India’s security personnel to maintaining operational readiness and safeguarding national security.
