In a powerful demonstration of military readiness, India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force recently conducted a joint training exercise at the strategically vital Farakka Barrage. The “Trishakti” Corps of the Indian Army, in coordination with elite special forces from all three services, executed a high-intensity drill to practice the swift and covert insertion of troops into a water-based environment.
The two-day exercise, which took place on August 7-8, focused on a specialized maneuver known as “Helocasting.” This technique involves troops exiting a low-flying IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopter over a body of water to reach their designated target. The training aimed to sharpen waterborne insertion skills and enhance the interoperability of the forces for securing critical national assets.
The location of the exercise, the Farakka Barrage, is particularly significant. Situated approximately 18 kilometers from the India-Bangladesh border, the barrage is a key piece of infrastructure for regulating the flow of the Ganges River, a subject that has long been a source of tension between the two nations.
By conducting this tri-service exercise in such a sensitive area, the Indian armed forces have signaled their comprehensive readiness to protect key infrastructure and respond to potential threats. A senior military official emphasized the importance of the drill, stating, “This exercise is a testament to the synergy, speed, and precision of our armed forces. It reaffirms that we are fully prepared for all eventualities against all adversaries, in every domain be it in land, sea, or air.”
The seamless coordination and teamwork observed during the training underscored the high level of integration and operational synchronization among the three services, demonstrating a unified and lethal combat capability.