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New Delhi, cni: In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for the deadly April 22 Pahalgam militant attack, the Central Industrial Security

Force (CISF) has initiated its most significant security upgrade yet. For the first time, CISF Quick Response Teams (QRT) are undergoing joint training with the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir—a region at the heart of India’s internal security calculus.A top government official,

requesting anonymity, said that high-level consultations have been held between the Union Home Ministry and senior CISF officials. “The time has come for CISF personnel to be trained at par with the Indian Army.

The evolving threat landscape demands it. If a terror strike occurs, we want our men ready to respond instantly,” the official said.This marks a turning point for the CISF, which last year assumed responsibility for

Parliament security after a major breach in December 2023 forced the government to replace the Delhi Police and CRPF with CISF personnel.Although small batches of CISF personnel have in the past trained at Army

centres in Chennai, Bhopal, and Karnataka, this is the first instance of full-scale joint training with the Indian Army—specifically under the Northern Command—in the conflict-prone region of Jammu and Kashmir.Advanced Warfare Training UnderwayAs per officials, 120 QRT commandos have already received training from Army

personnel, focusing on combat readiness, anti-sabotage operations, and high-risk situational drills. Two batches have completed training, and a third batch of 60 additional personnel is expected to join in the coming days.“This new training module includes urban warfare, jungle

combat, and advanced counter-drone operations. It aims to make CISF response capability seamless and swift, especially at strategic installations,” said the official.With threats ranging from cross-border militancy to internal sabotage and drone strikes, the

enhanced training is expected to make the CISF more resilient in guarding critical infrastructure such as airports, nuclear power stations, government buildings, and Parliament.The CISF, which currently uses INSAS, AK-47s, and sniper rifles, is also being considered for a gradual upgrade to AK-203 assault rifles. While the Indian Army will be the first recipient, followed by the

CRPF, government officials confirmed that discussions are underway to equip CISF with the advanced rifles in subsequent phases.The CISF plays a critical role in safeguarding India’s core assets. Apart from Parliament and airport

security, it guards establishments of national importance under the Departments of Space and Atomic Energy, as well as key economic sectors like petroleum, electricity, coal, steel, and mining. The force also provides security cover to

individuals under various threat categories—Z+, Z, Y, and X.Analysts suggest that the post-Pahalgam shift in policy marks a broadening of the CISF’s mandate—from a primarily industrial security force to a robust counter-terrorism entity capable of frontline engagement alongside traditional military units.

This unprecedented training integration with the Indian Army may signal a longer-term realignment of internal security forces in India, especially as hybrid warfare tactics and drone threats become more sophisticated. Cni