NSG Launches Agni Pariksha-XII Counter-Terrorism Drill in Manesar with 500 Personnel
Manesar, Haryana, November 3, 2026: The National Security Guard (NSG) has launched the 12th edition of its National Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise, Agni Pariksha-XII, at the NSG Training Academy in Manesar, bringing together around 500 personnel from security organisations across India.
The exercise began on November 2, 2026, and is designed to improve India’s counter-terrorism readiness through closer coordination between central and state agencies. Participants include personnel from 15 State Police Forces, three Union Territories and six Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), reflecting the broad national scope of the drill.
The inaugural session was chaired by the Inspector General of the NSG Training Academy, who delivered the opening address and stressed the need for jointness, operational synergy and stronger coordination among security agencies in responding to present-day terrorism-related threats.
The address highlighted that effective counter-terrorism response depends on close cooperation between central and state security organisations, particularly in situations that demand quick decision-making, intelligence sharing and coordinated tactical action.
According to the NSG, Agni Pariksha-XII is meant to strengthen collective counter-terrorism capability while also encouraging professional interaction and operational understanding among the participating forces. By bringing together officers and personnel from multiple states and Union Territories alongside CAPFs, the exercise seeks to reinforce the idea of a coordinated national response to complex security threats.
Modern counter-terrorism operations often require organisations with different mandates, jurisdictions and specialist capabilities to work together. The exercise is intended to improve interoperability by enabling participants to share operational knowledge, professional experience and counter-terrorism practices.
The exercise also gives security personnel an opportunity to better understand each other’s procedures, communication requirements and the need for coordinated responses in high-pressure situations. That aspect is central to counter-terrorism operations, where delays or gaps in communication can affect the success of a mission.
The NSG, India’s specialised counter-terrorism force, is tasked with responding to complex terrorist threats and other high-risk security situations. Its training academy at Manesar serves as a key facility for developing specialised tactical capabilities and for building professional links with other security organisations.
The launch of Agni Pariksha-XII reflects the growing emphasis on integrated security preparedness, particularly as contemporary threats increasingly require coordinated action across multiple agencies rather than isolated responses by individual forces.
The participation of 500 personnel underlines the scale attached to the exercise and the importance placed on strengthening national-level counter-terrorism capability. Beyond operational learning, joint drills of this kind also help build confidence, professional relationships and mutual trust among personnel from different organisations.
The opening address reiterated the need for continuous training, effective communication and collective preparedness to deal with emerging security challenges. With its emphasis on jointness, integration and synergy, Agni Pariksha-XII is intended to further strengthen India’s counter-terrorism response framework and deepen cooperation between central and state security forces.
The exercise is being conducted under the theme “Agni Pariksha – A Test of Courage, Character and Combat Excellence,” underscoring the commitment of India’s security personnel to maintaining operational readiness and safeguarding national security.
