Source: ET
Subject: Security
Context: India has commenced two major joint military exercises — Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN (India–Japan) and Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR (India–US) — aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and interoperability.
About Military Exercises in News:
What it is?
- Military exercises are joint training operations conducted between armed forces of two or more countries to enhance interoperability, operational readiness, and strategic cooperation.
- They help participating nations share best practices, improve tactical coordination, and strengthen defence partnerships through realistic combat simulations.
About Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN:
- What it is?
-
- A bilateral annual military exercise between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).
- The exercise focuses on joint operations in semi-urban environments and improving coordinated military responses.
- Host: Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand (India)
- Nations involved: India and Japan
- Key features:
-
- Focus on joint tactical drills including cordon-and-search operations and house intervention.
- Emphasis on modern technology and interoperability, including ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) grid development.
- Training includes heliborne operations and temporary operating base establishment for realistic combat simulation.
About Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR:
- What it is?
-
- A joint Special Forces exercise between India and the United States aimed at enhancing cooperation in special operations.
- Designed to improve joint operational capability in mountainous terrain.
- Host: Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh (India)
- Nations involved: India and United States (US Green Berets)
- Key features:
-
- Focus on special operations tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
- Intensive joint mission planning and physical conditioning.
- Enhances interoperability, mutual trust, and professional exchange between Special Forces.
