Himalayan Power Play: India, US Kick Off Vajra Prahar 16
Amid the snow-capped mountains of Himachal Pradesh and the rugged terrain of Uttarakhand, elite soldiers from three powerful democracies are training shoulder to shoulder. The 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar between India and the United States began on February 24 at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, and will continue until March 16. At the same time, Exercise Dharma Guardian between India and Japan is underway in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. These back-to-back military engagements signal more than routine drills. They reflect India’s expanding defence cooperation and growing strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific region.Vajra Prahar: A Legacy of India–US Special Forces CooperationExercise Vajra Prahar, the joint Special Forces drill between India and the United States, was first conducted in 2010. Since its inception, the exercise has been held annually, alternating between the two countries. It focuses on enhancing interoperability, joint mission planning, counter-terrorism operations, and high-altitude warfare capabilities. Over the years, Vajra Prahar has evolved into a key pillar of India–US defence cooperation, strengthening tactical coordination between the Indian Army’s Special Forces and the U.S. Army’s Green Berets. The exercise reflects growing strategic trust and shared security interests in an increasingly complex global security environment.Exercise Vajra Prahar: Elite Forces in ActionExercise Vajra Prahar brings together 45 personnel from the Indian Army’s Special Forces and 12 soldiers from the United States Army’s Green Berets. The previous edition was held in November 2024 at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, United States, highlighting the rotational nature of this bilateral engagement. This year’s exercise focuses heavily on mountainous terrain operations, a critical capability given the complex geography of the region. The training includes intensive physical conditioning, joint mission planning, and execution of tactical drills. Soldiers from both countries are sharing best practices, operational experiences, and modern techniques used in special operations. The aim is clear: improve interoperability and jointness so that both forces can operate seamlessly in high-risk, complex missions. In today’s security environment, where counter-terrorism, unconventional warfare, and rapid response operations are increasingly important, such coordination is vital. For the participating soldiers, Vajra Prahar is not just about drills. It is about building trust. Special Forces units operate in small teams under extreme pressure. Trust in your partner can mean the difference between mission success and failure. Training together in harsh Himalayan conditions strengthens that bond.Mountains as the Ultimate Training GroundThe location of the exercise is significant. Himachal Pradesh’s mountainous terrain mirrors many real-world operational environments. Training in high altitude and cold conditions pushes soldiers to their limits, testing endurance, adaptability, and resilience. Joint mission simulations require soldiers to plan and execute operations with precision. Communication systems, navigation techniques, and tactical movement are synchronised to ensure both forces can function as one cohesive unit. These drills also allow both armies to understand each other’s command structures and operational philosophies. Such collaboration is particularly important between India and the United States, two countries that share growing defence ties. Over the years, their military cooperation has expanded through joint exercises, defence agreements, and technology sharing. Vajra Prahar adds depth to that partnership at the tactical level.Dharma Guardian: Strengthening India–Japan Defence TiesWhile Vajra Prahar unfolds in Himachal Pradesh, Exercise Dharma Guardian is taking place at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. This bilateral exercise between India and Japan involves 120 personnel from each side. Japan is represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, while India is represented by the Ladakh Scouts, a regiment renowned for its expertise in high-altitude warfare. Held alternately in India and Japan, Dharma Guardian enhances joint operational capabilities in semi-urban environments. The two-week exercise focuses on physical endurance, coordinated planning, synchronised tactical drills, and the incorporation of modern technologies. The Ladakh Scouts, known for their courage and mountain warfare skills, bring valuable experience to the table. For Japanese troops, operating in India’s terrain offers exposure to diverse environmental and tactical challenges. For Indian soldiers, it is an opportunity to learn from Japan’s advanced training methodologies and operational discipline.A Strengthened Defence FrameworkAs Exercise Vajra Prahar continues until March 16 and Dharma Guardian progresses through early March, both engagements underline India’s commitment to strengthening defence diplomacy. From high-altitude operations in Himachal Pradesh to semi-urban drills in Uttarakhand, these exercises enhance tactical skills while reinforcing strategic partnerships. They demonstrate that India is not only investing in modernising its forces but also in building reliable international defence networks. In a rapidly evolving global security landscape, such collaborations are essential. Through disciplined training, shared expertise, and mutual trust, India and its partners are preparing not just for today’s challenges but for the uncertainties of tomorrow. The mountains may stand silent, but within them echoes a powerful message: cooperation, readiness, and unity remain the strongest pillars of security.
