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Context

• 14th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “VAJRA PRAHAR 2023” commenced at the Joint Training Node, Umroi. 

Details

• This exercise involves the participation of the US contingent from the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) and the Indian Army contingent led by Special Forces personnel from the Eastern Command.

Overview of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR

• Objective: The exercise aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices and experiences in various domains, including joint mission planning and operational tactics, between the Indian Army and US Army Special Forces.
• Duration and Venue: Conducted annually, the current edition is scheduled from November 21 to December 11, 2023, at the Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya.
• Activities: Over the course of three weeks, the exercise focuses on planning and practicing Special Operations, Counter-Terrorist Operations, Airborne Operations, and scenarios involving mountainous terrain.
• Highlights of Activities: Key activities include Combat Free Fall insertion of troops, Waterborne insertion of troops, Precision engagement of targets at long ranges, Combat air controlling of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, and Airborne insertion and sustenance of troops.
• Objective Evolution: VAJRA PRAHAR has evolved as a platform to exchange ideas, enhance inter-operability, and strengthen defense cooperation between the Special Forces of both India and the United States.
• Phases of Exercise: The exercise is conducted in two phases, involving combat conditioning, tactical level special missions training exercises, and a subsequent validation phase to assess and confirm the training received by both contingents.

Significance:

• Strategic Relevance: Given the current global security situation, the exercise holds significance in addressing the security challenges faced by both nations.
• Strengthening Relations: VAJRA PRAHAR contributes to strengthening the traditional bond of friendship between the Special Forces of India and the USA. It also enhances bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries.

Other Exercises between India and the USA

• Exercise Tiger Triumph: Focused on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
• Cope India: Primarily an Air Force exercise.
• Malabar Exercise: A Quadrilateral naval exercise involving India, USA, Japan, and Australia.
• Red Flag: A multilateral air exercise conducted by the US.

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