Indian Army Conducts ‘Exercise Teesta Prahar’ in West Bengal

Testing Combat Readiness in Riverine Terrain

Indian Army Conducts ‘Exercise Teesta Prahar’ in West Bengal: In May 2025, the Indian Army launched Exercise Teesta Prahar at the Teesta Field Firing Range in West Bengal. This ambitious field exercise tested the Army’s ability to carry out combat and support operations in challenging riverine terrain. More than just a drill, it was a display of India’s increasing military sophistication, especially in how different branches of the Army come together during high-pressure scenarios.

A Unified Army Effort Across All Divisions

What made Teesta Prahar unique was its inter-branch participation. Infantry soldiers marched alongside armoured divisions, while artillery units provided firepower support. Para Special Forces, Mechanised Infantry, Army Aviation, Engineers, and Signals units all played vital roles. Real-life battlefield conditions were mimicked to evaluate how well these diverse elements could work as one. The main goal was to ensure jointness, which means blending multiple forces into one seamless unit ready for any situation.

Mobility, Tech, and Modern Warfare Tactics

Troops were trained in rapid mobility drills, showing how quickly they could move across terrain filled with rivers, slopes, and thick vegetation. A big part of the exercise was the use of tech-enabled warfare—including surveillance drones, encrypted communication networks, and precision weapon systems. This approach reflects the Army’s larger plan to adapt to modern warfare needs, which now include not just physical strength but also digital capability and fast information flow.

A Strategic Step Towards Military Modernisation

Exercise Teesta Prahar also served another critical function—it allowed the Indian Army to test newly inducted next-gen weapon systems. This included trial runs for advanced guns, communication gear, and transport systems. The Army’s push for modernisation and technological self-reliance was clear. Even in tough weather and geographic conditions, troops successfully demonstrated fast decision-making and smooth execution, key to modern military success.

Strengthening Inter-Branch Coordination

This drill followed earlier joint Army-Air Force operations, sending a message that India is serious about building an integrated defence force. With growing threats that span land, air, and digital space, such exercises are not optional anymore—they are essential. The success of Teesta Prahar confirms India’s commitment to being ready for hybrid warfare, which could involve both traditional battlefields and high-tech threats like cyber-attacks.

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