The Central Industrial Security Force and Delhi Police conducted a joint counter-terrorism mock drill at Indira Gandhi International Airport on March 29, 2026 [1].

This exercise is critical because the airport serves as a primary gateway to India, making high-level inter-agency coordination essential for mitigating large-scale security breaches. Testing these protocols allows forces to identify gaps in communication and response times before a real-world crisis occurs.

The drill involved the CISF, Delhi Police, and other security agencies working in tandem to simulate a terrorist threat [1], [2]. By coordinating their efforts, the agencies sought to assess their overall preparedness and refine the tactics used to neutralize threats in a high-traffic aviation environment [2], [3].

Officials said that the primary objective of the exercise was to enhance inter-agency coordination [1]. The simulation focused on the rapid deployment of personnel and the synchronization of command structures between the different security tiers [3]. Such drills are designed to ensure that there is no ambiguity in the chain of command during an actual emergency.

Security personnel practiced various scenarios to test their readiness against evolving terrorist threats [2]. The exercise included the deployment of specialized units and the use of airport infrastructure to secure the perimeter, and protect passengers [3].

This joint operation follows a pattern of periodic security assessments conducted at major Indian transport hubs. The CISF remains the primary agency responsible for the security of the airport, while the Delhi Police provide critical outer-perimeter support and intelligence integration [1], [2].

“The agencies sought to assess their overall preparedness and refine the tactics used to neutralize threats.”

The coordination between the CISF and Delhi Police reflects a strategy of 'layered security,' where paramilitary and civil police forces must operate as a single unit. By conducting these drills, Indian security forces are attempting to reduce the 'friction' of bureaucracy that often slows response times during multi-agency operations at critical infrastructure sites.