On 25-28 August 2025, the Spear Corps of the Indian Army, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) participated in a major joint exercise, Achook Prahar, in the central part of Arunachal Pradesh. The exercise was an interoperability, combat readiness, and firepower coordination endeavor in simulated battlefield conditions.
Background
The ITBP was established in 1962 following the Sino-Indian War to protect the 3,488 km border of India with China at an elevation of between 9,000 and 18,750 feet. Being a specialist in mountain warfare, it was made an independent Central Armed Police Force in 2004 under the Ministry of home affairs. The core values are in its motto, Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha (Valour, Determination, Devotion to Duty).
Exercise Highlights
Four days of practice included the SpearHead Division of the Army and the units of ITBP which included machine guns, mortars, rockets and grenades. It was aimed at testing operational readiness and improving response co-ordination across high altitude terrain.
Importance
Achook Prahar exhibited a smooth coordination between the Army and ITBP, enhancing joint decision making, communication, and operational efficacies. These drills play a crucial role in protecting sensitive border areas in Arunachal Pradesh where tensions tend to spiral up.
Operational Challenges
Arunachal is subjected to very poor weather, rough topography and infrastructure. The mountaineering and survival capabilities of the ITBP add to the combat capabilities of the Army, and by integrating both training is necessary to overcome operational and logistical obstacles.
Broader Role of CAPFs
The ITBP, as a part of the Central Armed Police Forces in India aids in border security and the support of the Army in time of peace and in times of conflict, keeping the defence network strong and well-coordinated across the borders of India.
Month: Current Affairs - September 02, 2025
Category: current affairs daily