Kirti Vardhan Singh Visits NSG Academy, Watches 12th AGNI PARIKSHA Counter-IED Drill

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 force’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 tasked with dealing with terrorism-related threats across the country. According to the information shared during the visit, the event is among the largest gatherings of specialised counter-terrorism and bomb disposal personnel in India, and is intended to improve operational coordination, preparedness and response capabilities against IED threats.

During his visit, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh interacted with trainees taking part in the first Mahila Commando Conversion Course at the NSG Training Academy. He encouraged the women personnel to aim for excellence in specialised counter-terrorism operations and noted the importance of their increasing 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 is used to collect and manage information related to improvised explosive devices.

Officials further informed him about the NSG’s international training initiatives and exchange programmes, which are designed to support 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.

AGNI PARIKSHA serves as an important platform for bringing together specialised security personnel from across India, enabling 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 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 is expanding specialised training capacity and strengthening the network of skilled first responders across the country, while continuing to position itself as a premier counter-terrorism force within India’s national security framework.