India-U.S. ‘Vajra Prahar’ special forces exercise begins in Himachal Pradesh

The 16th edition of the India-U.S. joint special forces exercise ‘Vajra Prahar’ began at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, on Tuesday (February 24, 2026), even as the seventh India-Japan joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ got underway in Uttarakhand, with both programmes underscoring India’s expanding defence engagements with strategic partners.

Vajra Prahar, being held from February 24 to March 16, brings together 45 personnel from the Indian Army’s Special Forces, and 12 troops from the U.S. Army’s Green Berets, according to the Union Ministry of Defence. The previous edition was conducted at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, the U.S., in November 2024. The bilateral drill aims to increase interoperability, jointness, and exchange of special operations tactics, with a focus on operations in mountainous terrains.

Training activities will include intensive physical conditioning, joint mission planning, and the execution of tactical drills. Troops from both sides will exchange best practices and operational experiences in special operations, strengthening combined capabilities for complex missions, the Ministry said.

Meanwhile, the Dharma Guardian exercise by the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is underway at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, from February 24 to March 9. The exercise involves 120 personnel from each side, with Japan represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment, and India represented by the Ladakh Scouts.

Held alternately in India and Japan, Dharma Guardian enhances joint operational capabilities in a semi-urban environment. The two-week engagement will centre on physical endurance, coordinated planning, and synchronised tactical drills, incorporating modern technology and contemporary operational practices.

Both exercises reflect deepening military cooperation and growing strategic convergence between India and its key partners in the Indo-Pacific.