The joint special forces of India and the USA have recently completed the 13th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar 2022 in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. This annual event is alternately hosted by India and the US and is aimed at honing the skills of Special Forces from both nations in various defense scenarios.
The Nature and Purpose of Special Forces
Special Forces units are distinct components of a country’s armed forces, tasked with executing covert, counterterrorist, and other specialized operations. As such, they often require specific training and skills that differentiate them from regular military units. The Exercise Vajra Prahar is a part of these specialized training programs.
The Scope of the Vajra Prahar Training
Covering a span of 21 days, this exercise serves as a platform for the Special Forces from the two countries to gain expertise in Air Borne Operations, Special Operations, and Counter Terrorism operations under the United Nations Charter. The training is divided into two phases.
Phases of Training
The first phase involves combat conditioning and tactical level special mission training exercises to prepare the forces for real-world combat scenarios. Following this, a second phase encapsulates a 48-hour validation period wherein the training received by both contingments in the first phase is thoroughly examined and assessed.
Significance of the Exercise
Exercise Vajra Prahar holds considerable significance in light of the security challenges both India and the USA face in today’s increasingly volatile global landscape. By fortifying relations between the Special Forces of the two countries through this joint military activity, mutual understanding and cooperation at their defense levels get appreciably bolstered.
Other Bilateral Exercises between India and the USA
Apart from Vajra Prahar, India and the USA participate in other joint exercises aimed at enhancing their defense proficiency and collaboration. These include Exercise Tiger Triumph, which focuses on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief; Cope India, an exercise conducted specifically for the Air Forces of both countries; the Malabar Exercise, a Quadrilateral naval exercise involving India, USA, Japan, and Australia; and Red Flag, US’ multilateral air exercise.
This information was sourced from the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The continued collaboration between the two nations through these exercises testifies to their commitment to fostering stronger defense ties and confronting shared security challenges.
