India Conducts VAJRA PRAHAR with US and DHARMA GUARDIAN with Japan

Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

India Conducts VAJRA PRAHAR with US and DHARMA GUARDIAN with Japan

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Why in the News

India is simultaneously hosting two major bilateral military exercises:
- The 16th edition of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR with the United States in Himachal Pradesh.
- The 7th edition of Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN with Japan in Uttarakhand.
Both drills aim to enhance interoperability and strengthen defence cooperation.

1. Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR (India–US)

Participants

Indian Army Special Forces, 45 personnel
United States Army Special Forces, 12 personnel

Venue and Duration

Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh
February 24 to March 16, 2026
Previous edition held in Idaho, USA in November 2024

2. Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN (India–Japan)

Participants

- - Indian Army
  - Japan Ground Self-Defence Force

Units Involved

- India: Ladakh Scouts
- Japan: 32nd Infantry Regiment

[2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?

This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4

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