Manesar, Haryana, November 3, 2026: The National Security Guard (NSG) commenced the 12th edition of the National Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise, Agni Pariksha-XII, on November 2, 2026, at the NSG Training Academy in Manesar, Haryana, bringing together approximately 500 participants from security organisations across the country.
The national-level exercise involves personnel from 15 State Police Forces, three Union Territories and six Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), reflecting a coordinated effort to strengthen India’s counter-terrorism preparedness through enhanced 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 highlighted the importance of jointness, operational synergy and coordination among various security agencies in addressing contemporary terrorism-related challenges.
The address emphasised that effective counter-terrorism operations require close collaboration between central and state security organisations, particularly in situations demanding rapid responses, intelligence sharing and coordinated tactical action.
Exercise Agni Pariksha-XII serves as an important platform for strengthening collective counter-terrorism capabilities while promoting professional interaction and operational understanding among participating forces.
The involvement of police personnel from multiple states and Union Territories, along with representatives of six CAPFs, highlights the importance of developing a coordinated national response to complex security threats.
Modern counter-terrorism operations frequently require cooperation between organisations with different operational responsibilities, jurisdictions and specialised capabilities. Effective coordination is therefore essential to ensure timely decision-making, efficient deployment of resources and successful execution of security operations.
The exercise is intended to enhance interoperability among participating forces by encouraging the exchange of operational knowledge, professional experience and counter-terrorism practices.
It also provides an opportunity for security personnel to strengthen mutual understanding of organisational procedures, communication requirements and the importance of coordinated responses during high-pressure security 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 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 demand coordinated action across multiple agencies.
The participation of 500 personnel also underlines the scale of the exercise and the importance attached to strengthening counter-terrorism capabilities at the national level.
Beyond improving operational coordination, such joint exercises contribute to building 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.
