Lieutenant General Joel B Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC), held high-level meetings with India’s Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, and Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, in New Delhi to discuss strengthening defence ties between the two nations. The talks focused on regional security in the Indo-Pacific, expanding military-to-military cooperation, and improving interoperability through joint exercises and training programs.
According to the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), the discussions also explored new avenues for collaboration across multiple operational domains, reflecting the growing strategic alignment and shared commitment of both armies to address emerging security challenges. The meetings emphasized the importance of deepening defence engagement to promote stability in the region.
These discussions follow the ongoing India-US Joint Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026, the 16th edition of this 21-day training program held at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, from February 24 to March 16. The exercise brings together Special Forces units from both nations, with India represented by 45 personnel and the United States by 12 Green Berets.
Vajra Prahar 2026 is designed to strengthen operational readiness, enhance interoperability, and facilitate the exchange of advanced special operations tactics, techniques, and procedures in challenging mountainous terrain. The intensive training scenarios are intended to build mutual trust, professional camaraderie, and coordination between Indian and US Special Forces, ensuring preparedness for joint operations in complex environments.
Through continued high-level interactions and joint exercises, India and the United States aim to reinforce their strategic partnership, foster closer defence cooperation, and address evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. The meetings and exercises underscore a shared commitment to operational excellence, readiness, and the long-term stability of the region, while laying the foundation for sustained military collaboration in the years ahead.
