MUMBAI — The National Security Guard (NSG) has conducted a major multi-agency counter-terrorism exercise, 'Ex Sarvatra Pratighat-I', across 12 locations in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, aimed at assessing and strengthening the preparedness of security forces to respond to complex terror threats, IANS reported on Friday.

Source: IANS via Hi India

The exercise was led by the NSG in coordination with the Mumbai Police, Maharashtra Police, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, the Indian Coast Guard, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and other emergency response services, the report said.

Officials said the drill was designed to test the integrated response capabilities of multiple agencies against a complex, multiple-target terror scenario, involving the simultaneous and sequential deployment of counter-terrorism forces at different locations to simulate situations requiring coordinated and rapid intervention.

The exercise focused on operational readiness, inter-agency coordination and interoperability, and on assessing the effectiveness of existing response mechanisms and coordination procedures while dealing with multiple security threats across an urban landscape, officials said. The Economic Times also reported the NSG, Indian Air Force and Mumbai Police counter-terror exercise in the city ahead of the 18th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Source: Economic Times (video)

With Mumbai and Navi Mumbai being important urban and economic centres, the exercise underlined the importance of a high level of preparedness against potential terror-related contingencies. The NSG said the drill reinforced the participating agencies' collective commitment to national and urban security and their ability to respond to evolving terror threats, IANS reported.