Despite Trade Turbulence, India and US Gear Up for Special Forces Drill in Himachal

Trade talks between India and the United States may have had their share of twists and tense moments before an interim agreement was finalized — but when it comes to defense ties, the partnership appears steady as ever.

While negotiators ironed out details of the India-US trade deal, military cooperation between the two nations continued without disruption. And now, that collaboration is heading to the mountains.

Later this month, elite troops from both countries will come together in Himachal Pradesh for a high-intensity joint military exercise.

Exercise Vajra Prahar Returns to the Hills

The upcoming edition of Vajra Prahar will take place from February 23 to March 16 in Bakloh, a well-known training hub for Indian special forces nestled in the hills of Himachal Pradesh.

The goal? Sharpen coordination between Indian and American special forces, exchange field experience, and refine modern combat techniques suited for today’s complex battlefield scenarios.

This isn’t a new initiative. Vajra Prahar was first launched in 2010 and has since been held alternately in India and the United States. Each edition brings together elite commandos from both sides for specialized training sessions designed to boost interoperability — a crucial factor in joint missions.

What the Commandos Train For

The exercise focuses heavily on joint mission planning, operational tactics, and the use of advanced technology in special operations.

In previous editions, troops have rehearsed counter-terrorism operations, airborne missions, and para-drop maneuvers. Mountain warfare — a particularly demanding discipline — has also featured prominently, especially given the challenging terrain where the drills are often conducted.

Past exercises have included:

• Coordinated counter-terror operations
• Airborne insertions and high-altitude para-drops
• Long-range precision targeting drills
• Simulated infiltration via waterways
• Rescue and extraction missions

Both conventional and unconventional warfare scenarios are recreated during these drills. The idea is simple: prepare commandos to operate seamlessly together, even under extreme conditions.

Why Bakloh Matters

This year’s venue, Bakloh, is not just any location. It is considered a key training center for Indian special forces and offers terrain that mirrors real-world operational environments — steep gradients, unpredictable weather, and demanding physical conditions.

Training in such an environment pushes troops to adapt quickly and rely on tight coordination — precisely the kind of readiness both countries aim to strengthen.

Defense Ties Stay the Course

The broader backdrop is worth noting. Despite some friction in trade negotiations — including disagreements over tariffs and market access — defense cooperation between New Delhi and Washington has remained largely insulated from economic ups and downs.

Joint military drills like Vajra Prahar reflect a strategic alignment that goes beyond commerce. They signal that, even when trade talks get complicated, security collaboration continues to move forward.

As Indian and American commandos prepare to train shoulder-to-shoulder in the Himalayan foothills, the message is clear: the defense partnership remains on solid ground — quite literally, in this case.