Military Exercise – Teesta Prahar

GS Paper III: Security Challenges and Their Management in Border Areas

Military Exercise – Teesta Prahar

Why in News? 

The Indian Army recently carried out the “Teesta Prahar” exercise at Teesta Field Firing Range near Siliguri, aiming to strengthen rapid response and joint operational readiness in the sensitive Siliguri Corridor region.

What is the Military Exercise – Teesta Prahar?

• • Introduction:
    • In 2025, the Indian Army launched a high-intensity military drill, ‘Teesta Prahar’, at the Teesta Field Firing Range in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district.
    • This exercise tested the army’s joint capabilities and technical efficiency in a well-planned and real war-like scenario.
    • The main objective of this military exercise was to test the army’s ability to act in real-time situations.

• Objectives:

• Testing the efficiency of joint operations – involving seamless coordination between various army units.
• Rapid deployment – examining how quickly the army can be mobilized in riverine, forest, and marshy areas during emergencies.
• Technical warfare skills – conducting operations using modern weapons, surveillance systems, and communication equipment.
• Preparing for future battle scenarios, especially those involving hybrid warfare and high-tech warfare strategies.

• Military Units Involved: 
  • Led by the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps, the exercise saw coordinated involvement of multiple military units to enhance synergy and rapid deployment readiness.

• Infantry: Responsible for ground operations, ambush attacks, and area security.
• Mechanised Infantry: Operated at the frontlines demonstrating their strategic readiness.
• Artillery: Conducted precise attacks on enemy positions from a distance.
• Armoured Corps: Engaged in direct combat and frontline operations using tanks.
• Para Special Forces (Para SF): Executed high-risk missions and covert operations.
• Army Aviation: Managed aerial surveillance, logistical support, and rapid troop deployment.
• Engineers and Signals Corps: Constructed bridges, cleared routes, and maintained communication networks.

• Strategic Importance:
  • The Teesta Field Firing Range is located in a strategically important area under the Eastern Command of the Indian Army.
  • The Teesta exercise site lies close to the Siliguri Corridor, a region of immense strategic significance.

What is the Siliguri Corridor?

• • Introduction:
    • The Siliguri Corridor, often called the ‘Chicken’s Neck’, is a slender land passage in West Bengal.
    • Measuring roughly 22 kilometers across, it acts as the crucial connection between India’s Northeast and the mainland.
    • It also shares borders with other countries, making it a strategically and geopolitically sensitive area.
  • Geographical Location:
    • This narrow strip is bordered by Nepal (west), Bhutan (north), and Bangladesh (south)—making it a critical and sensitive zone for national security.
    • This corridor serves as the only vital land route linking eight Northeastern states with the rest of India.

• Importance:

• Geographical Integrity: Maintaining control over the Siliguri Corridor is essential for ensuring India’s territorial continuity and uninterrupted military logistics in the northeast. Any disruption or instability in this region could cut off the entire North-East from the rest of India.
• Military Strategy: It serves as a key supply line for the Indian Army, especially for troops deployed in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Due to its proximity to China’s Chumbi Valley, controlling this corridor poses a major strategic challenge for India. The position of Chumbi Valley directly affects the security of this route.
• Geopolitical Significance: It lies near the tri junction of India, Bhutan, and China, enhancing its geopolitical importance. 
• Economic and Trade Role: Beyond security, the corridor is the economic artery of the region, facilitating movement of goods, services, and people across states. It enables movement of goods, services, and people between the region and the rest of the country.
  • It facilitates trade relations with neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan.
  • This corridor is connected to international trade routes, promoting regional economic development.
• Tourism: Siliguri is the main access point for travelers heading to popular hill stations and neighboring countries, boosting tourism for places like Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Bhutan.
  • Under the ‘Act East Policy’ of the Government of India, this corridor plays a vital role in connecting the North-Eastern states to South-East Asia.

Major Joint Military Exercises of India in 2025

• Dharma Guardian 2025: This exercise between India and Japan was held at Mount Fuji, Japan. It took place from 25 February to 9 March. The focus of this exercise was on joint operations and improving skills. Its aim was to strengthen strategic cooperation and enhance mutual understanding.
• Ekuverin 2025: This is a bilateral exercise between India and the Maldives. It was held at Maalifushi, Maldives from 2 February to 15 February. The main purpose was to strengthen regional cooperation.
• Cyclone 2025: India and Egypt conducted a joint military exercise called ‘Cyclone 2025’ in the desert region of Rajasthan from 10 to 23 February. This exercise focused on improving the combat readiness of special forces in desert terrains and enhancing their efficiency in joint missions.
• La Perouse 2025: This multinational naval exercise was held in the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits from 16 to 24 January. Along with India, France, Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore participated. 
• Upcoming Exercises in 2025:
  • Surya Kiran: This exercise is conducted between India and Nepal at Saljhandi, Nepal. It focuses on counter-terrorism operations and strengthening border security. 
  • Sea Dragon: This is an anti-submarine warfare exercise held off the coast of Guam, organized by the United States Navy. India participates using its P8I maritime patrol aircraft to enhance maritime security. Japan, Australia, and South Korea also take part.
  • Malabar: This is a naval exercise of the Quad countries (India, the United States, Japan, and Australia). It focuses on maritime operations, anti-submarine warfare, and strategic manoeuvres. 
  • Bongosagar: This annual exercise is conducted between India and Bangladesh. Its purpose is to improve joint naval operations and promote regional security.
  • Khanjar-XII: This exercise between the special forces of India and Kyrgyzstan focuses on counter-terrorism operations and improving strategic efficiency in high-altitude warfare.
  • TROPEX: This is the largest naval exercise of the Indian Navy, held off the western coast of India. It involves the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The aim of this exercise is to ensure the highest level of preparedness in maritime operations.