The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 15th edition of India-US joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from tomorrow to November 22 at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, US. The last edition of the same exercise was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya, in December last year. This will be the second exercise of the year between the Indian and the US Army. The previous exercise, YUDH ABHYAS 2024, was conducted in Rajasthan in September.

The Defence Ministry said contingents of both countries taking part in the joint exercise will comprise 45 personnel each. The Indian Army contingent will be represented by Special Forces units, and the US Army contingent will be represented by Green Berets of the US.

The aim of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR is to promote military cooperation between India and the US through enhancement of interoperability, jointness, and mutual exchange of special operations tactics. It will enhance combined capabilities in executing joint Special Forces operations in desert and semi-desert environments. The exercise will focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, and joint tactical drills.