Recently, the 14th edition of the Vajra Prahar 2023 exercise, a joint venture between India and the USA Special Forces, concluded in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. Here are the key highlights:
Exercise Vajra Prahar
- The Special Forces of India and the United States alternately host the annual exercise known as Vajra Prahar.
- These units of Special Forces are committed to counterterrorism, covert operations, and other specialized military duties.
- In the current global context, it is essential to resolve the security concerns that both countries face.
- It has strengthened the Special Forces of India and the United States’ defense cooperation and friendship.
Objectives
The 21-day joint exercise aimed to enhance skills in Airborne Operations, Special Operations, and Counter Terrorism under the United Nations Charter.
It was divided into two stages:
1. The initial stage focused on combat conditioning and tactical special mission training.
2. The second stage involved a 48-hour validation exercise to assess the training received in the first phase.
Other Joint Exercises between India and the USA
- Yudh Abhyas: An annual army drill meant to improve mutual understanding and collaboration amongst soldiers.
- Malabar Exercise: sophisticated maritime operations are the main emphasis of this naval drill, which also involves Australia and Japan.
- The goal of the air force exercise Cope India is to enhance mutual understanding and interoperability among air forces.
- Tiger Triumph is a tri-service amphibious exercise that emphasizes disaster response and humanitarian aid.
- Red Flag is a sophisticated aerial combat training exercise that the U.S. Air Force and foreign participants—including India—participate in.
- Spartan Shield: An Army drill designed to improve readiness for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
