Various units of the Indian Army are training Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel deployed at sensitive installations along the border to prepare for joint operations in case of terror attacks, people familiar with the matter said, adding that this is the first-of-its-kind training for joint counter-terrorism response operations.
While the Indian Security Forces’ Quick Response Teams (QRTs) deployed in the Kashmir Valley and Parliament were trained by the Army for counter-terrorism operations after Operation Sindoor, the current training course focuses on interoperability with the Army. According to the people mentioned above, the Army is also training Central Security Force personnel stationed at airports across the country on aerial threats, especially on neutralizing various types of drones.
The Indian Air Force (IAF), in sectors like Leh, has also held training sessions with Indian security forces on countering drone threats, neutralization and interoperability in response operations.
“In various locations, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, CRPF personnel are training with the Army. The training units focus not only on acting as first responders to werewolf attacks and terrorist attacks, but also on joint action in attacks of all kinds, including drones,” said an official familiar with the details requesting anonymity. “During Operation Sindoor, within the first hour or two of India successfully launching attacks, Pakistan attacked BSF-guarded units near the border, but failed to cause any damage.”
India struck terrorist and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.
During the night of May 6-7 last year, SS personnel shot down enemy drones fired at the Uri Hydropower Station, evacuating approximately 250 personnel inside the facility amid heavy shelling. The hydropower project, one of India’s most vital and sensitive assets, was one of the first targets as part of Pakistan’s response.
The BSF personnel guarding nearly 11 such vital installations in Jammu and Kashmir have trained with the Army in recent months and worked in joint counter operations, the above-mentioned official said. “There is synergy between the two forces, with the Army lending its expertise to the force. Exercises are being conducted jointly, not only in the Valley, but at other facilities as well. For example, at the Taj Mahal, the Army is controlling anti-drone jammers while security is monitored by the Central Security Force. The Army has also conducted training for personnel stationed inside the Taj Mahal,” the official added.
During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched drones and loitering munitions against Indian military installations and civilian infrastructure. India’s robust and multi-layered air defense network has thwarted all threats and prevented any damage. During Operation Sindoor, Indian forces bombed nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK, killing at least 100 terrorists, and the Indian Air Force struck targets at 13 Pakistani air bases and military installations.
