Hon’ble 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, Manesar, where he witnessed the 12th AGNI PARIKSHA, the NSG’s annual national Counter-IED exercise. The visit highlighted the importance of specialised training, inter-agency coordination and operational preparedness in strengthening the country’s counter-terrorism capabilities.
The 12th edition of AGNI PARIKSHA brought together the largest concentration of State Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Anti-Terrorism Squads, along with first responders to terrorism from across the country. The exercise provided a national platform for personnel from different security organisations to come together around the specialised requirements of countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and responding to terrorism-related threats.
The participation of State Police and CAPF Anti-Terrorism Squads underlined the importance of coordinated preparedness among security agencies. Bringing together specialised teams and first responders also highlighted the role of common training platforms in strengthening operational understanding and response capabilities across different forces.
During the visit, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh interacted with trainees of the first Mahila Commando Conversion Course. He encouraged the women personnel to excel in specialised counter-terrorism operations, recognising the importance of their professional training and participation in demanding operational roles. The interaction marked an important aspect of the visit, with a focus on the growing role of women personnel in specialised security assignments.
The Union Minister also witnessed the NSG’s advanced training infrastructure and was shown its operational capabilities. The visit showcased the facilities and systems developed to support specialised training and preparedness for counter-terrorism responsibilities. Particular attention was drawn to the National IED Data Management System, reflecting the importance of systematic information management in strengthening the country’s response to IED-related threats.
The National IED Data Management System formed part of the capabilities highlighted during the visit, alongside the NSG’s training infrastructure and operational preparedness. The demonstration underscored the role of specialised institutional resources in supporting counter-IED efforts and strengthening the ability of security personnel to respond to complex threats.
Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh was also briefed on the NSG’s foreign training and exchange programmes. These initiatives reflect the organisation’s engagement in professional training and exchange, providing an avenue for sharing expertise and strengthening specialised capabilities.
The visit brought attention to the NSG Training Academy’s role in developing specialised counter-terrorism skills and supporting national-level preparedness. Through exercises such as AGNI PARIKSHA, participation from State Police and CAPF units, and focused training programmes, the NSG continues to provide an important platform for strengthening coordination and professional capabilities among security personnel.
The interaction with the first Mahila Commando Conversion Course trainees further highlighted the importance of expanding specialised training opportunities and encouraging women personnel to excel in counter-terrorism roles. The visit showcased the NSG’s emphasis on training excellence, operational readiness, advanced infrastructure and cooperation with security agencies across the country.
