A large-scale tri-services military drill conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands brought together forces from across the country to test joint warfighting capabilities and operational coordination across multiple domains.
The exercise, titled Exercise Dweep Shakti 2026, was carried out by the Andaman and Nicobar Command, involving participation from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and the Indian Coast Guard. The operation focused on refining standard operating procedures and enhancing interoperability among the services in a realistic operational environment.
Officials said the exercise brought together not only the core components of the Andaman and Nicobar Command but also Special Forces and additional units from the three services. The deployment covered a wide range of operations across land, sea and air, aimed at validating joint responses under dynamic conditions.
Military assets from the Army, Navy and Air Force were deployed across various islands as part of the drill. The exercise also included activation of operational and logistical mechanisms in coordination with the local civil administration, highlighting the importance of integrated response systems in the region.
The drill comes at a time when maritime security and operational readiness in the Indian Ocean region remain critical. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands occupy a strategic location, making joint preparedness and rapid response capability essential for safeguarding national interests.
According to officials, the exercise assessed the ability of the forces to operate in a coordinated manner across multiple domains while maintaining operational efficiency. The focus remained on synchronising efforts between different arms of the military to ensure seamless execution of complex missions.
The exercise demonstrated the operational preparedness of the armed forces and their ability to conduct integrated missions in a challenging environment. It also reflected the level of coordination achieved among different service components during joint operations.
Ajay Kochhar, Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, observed the exercise and reviewed the operations carried out during the drill. He acknowledged the performance of participating units and noted the execution of coordinated tasks across services.
Officials said such exercises play a key role in strengthening defence preparedness by identifying operational gaps and improving coordination mechanisms. They also contribute to refining procedures required for real-time responses in critical scenarios.
The conduct of Exercise Dweep Shakti underscores the continued emphasis on jointness within the armed forces and the need for integrated operational capabilities in strategically significant regions. As multi-domain challenges evolve, such exercises remain central to ensuring readiness and maintaining security in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
