Recently, a noteworthy event caught the attention of newsrooms globally. The Special Forces of India and the USA conducted a joint military exercise named ‘VAJRA PRAHAR 2021’ in Himachal Pradesh, India. This was not their first collaboration as the Indian and American navies had previously orchestrated a two-day Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the eastern Indian Ocean Region.
The VAJRA PRAHAR Exercise: An Overview
The joint exercise, named VAJRA PRAHAR, is an initiative by the Special Forces of both nations, aimed at strengthening their military ties. These specialized units of a country’s armed forces are responsible for carrying out covert operations, counterterrorism activities, and other specific missions.
This edition of the VAJRA PRAHAR is milestone, being the 11th iteration of the exercise. It took place at the Special Forces Training School located in Bakloh, a small town nestled in the hills of Himachal Pradesh in India. The previous, 10th edition of VAJRA PRAHAR was held in 2019 in Seattle, USA.
Purpose of VAJRA PRAHAR
The primary aim of these exercises is to enhance the interoperability between the Special Forces of both nations. It provides a platform for them to share best practices, discuss operational tactics, and plan joint missions. These learning experiences help to cultivate shared understanding and cooperation, thereby strengthening their combined response to global terror threats.
India’s Other Military Exercises with the USA
Although VAJRA PRAHAR may be one of the most recent, it is just one in a series of military cooperation initiatives between India and the USA. Another notable exercise is ‘Yudh Abhyas’, which involves the armies of both countries. The ‘Cope India’ is a collaborative effort between their air forces.
In addition, the ‘Red Flag’ exercises are unique in that they are multilateral air exercises led by the USA. They serve as a valuable training ground for practicing and honing tactical maneuvers.
Lastly, the Malabar Exercise is a trilateral naval exercise involving India, the USA, and Japan. These exercises further cement the strategic relationships among these nations, and together, they form a bulwark against the common security threats in the region.
All these information have been gathered from credible sources such as the Press Information Bureau (PIB), India.
