Shatrujeet simulates NBC warfare to emerge stronger

The Indian Army is conducting a wargame `Shatrujeet' in the Thar desert, specifically aimed at nullifying Pakistani intentions, just in case it gets overambitious. As a defence expert says, `Pakistan might be foolish enough to talk about tactical nukes as weapons but India's no-first-use nuclear policy is clear. it warns of a massive and harsh retaliation to any first NBC strike by an adversary, be it tactical or strategic.' Shatrujeet being conducted 60 km from the India-Pak border involves 3000 soldiers will see major airborne operations, including para-dropping. The exercise is aimed at finetuning India's response to any threat to the nation's security. The exercise is being steered by 1 Corps, one of the three strike corps of the Army, based near Mathura. Infantry, armoured and artillery formations are taking part in the exercise. The simulated environment created is that of nuclear, biolgical and chemical weapons. The Chief of Army Staff, Gen Dalbir Singh, is to take part in the exercises. The exercise is critical in the sense that pakistan often flaunts its 60-kilometre Hatf-IX missiles.