India-US special forces exercise to be held from November 2-22 in Idaho

A pair of Indian Air Force Mirage 2000s, take off during the Indo-US Joint Air Force exercise ‘Cope India- 04’, at the Air Force Base in Gwalior, February 25, 2004. Image used for representation. | Photo Credit: VV Krishnan

Military exercises between the special forces of India and the US will begin from Saturday in Idaho, with the aim of improving joint capabilities in carrying out the operations of special forces in the desert and desert environment and to improve cooperation.

The Indian Army left on Friday to participate in ‘Exercise Vajra Prahar’, the Ministry of Defense said.

The 15th India-US joint special forces exercise will enable both sides to share their best practices and experience in conducting joint special forces operations.

It will facilitate the development of cooperation, bonhomie and harmony between the armed forces of both countries, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

‘Exercise Vajra Prahar’ is scheduled to be conducted from November 2-22 at the Orchard Combat Training Center in Idaho in the US.

The previous exercise was held in Umroi, Meghalaya, in December 2023.

This will be the second annual exercise between the Indian Army and the US Army, the previous one being ‘Exercise Yudh Abhyas’ conducted in Rajasthan in September.

Officials from both countries who will participate in the joint venture will include 45 personnel each, the statement said.

The Indian Army will be represented by Special Forces units and the US Army will be represented by the US Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets.

“The objective of this exercise is to promote military cooperation between India and the US by enhancing coordination, cooperation and exchange of special operations tactics,” the statement said.

The exercise will “enhance joint capabilities” in conducting joint special forces operations in desert and semi-desert terrain with a focus on high-level physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical exercises.

“Items that will be considered during the exercise will include joint task force planning, manned surveillance, the employment of unmanned aerial systems, the execution of special operations, the actions of a joint lethal strike commander and psychological warfare in special operations,” the statement said.