The Armed Forces of the country are set to commence a significant training exercise on November 10 in the high mountains of the sensitive northeastern region, bordering China. The exercise, designated ‘Poorvi Prahar’, will last for nine days and will involve coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The primary objective of this drill is to foster synergy among the three branches and to validate joint operational capabilities in challenging high-altitude environments.
This exercise marks a notable development in the Indian military landscape, particularly due to the Navy’s participation, which underscores two critical trends. Firstly, it highlights the evolving combat role of the Navy beyond its traditional maritime responsibilities. Secondly, it reflects the recent initiative of cross-posting junior and middle-ranking officers among the three services, fostering inter-service integration and collaboration.
Historically, tri-services exercises have been conducted in coastal and island regions such as Vishakhapatnam and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, this marks a significant first as the Defence Ministry publicly announces a tri-service exercise set in landlocked mountainous terrain. Previous drills in regions like Ladakh and the northeastern part of the country predominantly involved only the Army and the Air Force.
The Navy’s involvement in ‘Poorvi Prahar’ is noteworthy because it is a multi-dimensional force designed for operations under, on, and above the water. This capability is supported by various assets, including submarines, surface ships, and aircraft, alongside specialized units like the Marine Commando Force (Marcos). These elite commandos have a history of deployment in challenging environments, including anti-terror operations in Kashmir, particularly around Wular Lake. Their expertise became critical during the stand-off with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that began in 2020. The Marcos were notably deployed at Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh, which was a hotspot for incursions and face-offs with Chinese forces. During this period, the Navy’s Boeing P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles were actively engaged in reconnaissance missions along the LAC, tracking Chinese activities.
For the upcoming ‘Poorvi Prahar’ exercise, it is anticipated that the Navy’s surveillance aircraft, Marcos, and communication specialists will play a crucial role in enhancing operational readiness and joint capabilities among the services, further contributing to the nation’s defense objectives in a region of strategic significance.
