Image is for representational purposes only. File | Photo credit: Ritu Raj Konvar
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the 16th Indo-US joint special forces exercise “Vajra Prahar” began at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, even as the seventh India-Japan joint military exercise “Dharma Guardian” was underway in Uttarakhand, with both programs highlighting India’s defense partners.
Taking place from February 24 to March 16, Vajra Prahar brings together 45 Indian Army Special Forces personnel and 12 US Army Green Berets, according to the Union Ministry of Defence. The previous edition was conducted at the Orchard Combat Training Center in Idaho, USA in November 2024. The bilateral exercise aims to increase the interoperability, cohesion and exchange of special operations tactics with a focus on operations in mountainous terrain.
Training activities will include intensive physical training, joint mission planning and conducting tactical exercises. Soldiers from both sides will share best practices and operational experience in special operations, strengthening combined capabilities for complex missions, the ministry said.
Meanwhile, Exercise Dharma Guardian of the Indian Army and Japan Ground Self Defense Force is underway from February 24 to March 9 at the Foreign Training Hub in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. 120 personnel from each side are taking part in the exercise, with soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Regiment representing Japan and Scouts representing Ladakh.
Taking place alternately in India and Japan, Dharma Guardian enhances joint operational capabilities in a semi-urban environment. The two-week engagement will focus on physical endurance, coordinated planning and synchronized tactical exercises, incorporating modern technology and current operational procedures.
Both exercises reflect deepening military cooperation and growing strategic convergence between India and its key partners in the Indo-Pacific.
Published – 24 Feb 2026 21:44 IST
