Agni Pariksha Joint Exercise in Arunachal Pradesh

The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have conducted a joint training exercise in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant step towards deeper inter-force operational integration. The six-day exercise, named “Agni Pariksha”, was held from January 19 to 24 at Sigar in the East Siang district and focused on enhancing combat synergy and jointmanship between the two forces.

Objectives of the Joint Training

The primary aim of “Agni Pariksha” was to familiarise non-artillery personnel with artillery procedures, coordination mechanisms, and the execution of firing missions. According to the defence spokesperson, the exercise sought to break traditional role-based silos by exposing infantry and ITBP personnel to realistic artillery employment in dynamic combat situations.

First-of-Its-Kind Firepower Integration

The exercise involved spearhead gunners from the Spear Corps training alongside infantry regiments and ITBP units. This marked the first collaborative firepower training initiative of its kind between the Indian Army’s artillery elements and ITBP personnel. Non-artillery troops were systematically trained to independently conduct multiple artillery firing drills under the close supervision of experienced gunners.

Operational Gains and Combat Readiness

By enabling infantry and ITBP personnel to understand artillery planning and execution, the exercise significantly enhanced mutual trust, coordination, and operational responsiveness. The realistic training environment improved awareness of firepower integration, which is crucial for rapid decision-making and effective battlefield coordination in high-intensity and border-related contingencies.

Important Facts for Exams

• Agni Pariksha was a joint exercise between the Indian Army and ITBP.
• The exercise was held at Sigar in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• It focused on familiarising non-artillery personnel with artillery firing procedures.
• The initiative aimed at improving jointmanship and integrated combat capability.

Future-Oriented Integrated Warfare Approach

This exercise constituted the first phase of a broader training initiative and is being viewed as a pioneering step towards developing integrated combat capabilities for future battlefields. It reflects the Indian Army’s evolving doctrine of joint operations and closer coordination with central armed police forces in complex operational environments.