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, where he witnessed 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 responsible for tackling terrorism-related threats across the country. The event represented one of the largest gatherings of specialised counter-terrorism and bomb disposal personnel, providing a platform for enhancing operational coordination, preparedness and response capabilities against IED threats.
During his visit, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh interacted with trainees undergoing 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 highlighted the importance of their growing participation in demanding operational roles.
The Minister was also briefed on the NSG’s advanced training infrastructure, specialised operational capabilities and the National IED Data Management System, which supports the collection and management of information related to improvised explosive devices.
Officials further apprised him of the NSG’s international training initiatives and exchange programmes, which facilitate cooperation, knowledge sharing and the adoption of advanced counter-terrorism practices.
The visit highlighted the NSG’s continued emphasis on realistic training, technological advancement and inter-agency cooperation to strengthen India’s counter-terrorism preparedness.
The annual AGNI PARIKSHA exercise serves as an important platform for bringing together specialised security personnel from across India, promoting the exchange of operational expertise and improving coordination among agencies responsible for responding to terrorist threats.
The first Mahila Commando Conversion Course, launched in August 2026, is a significant initiative aimed at 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 continues to expand specialised training capabilities and strengthen the network of skilled first responders across the country, reinforcing its role as a premier counter-terrorism force in India’s national security framework.
