NSG, US Special Operations Forces train in Hyderabad

The 1st Battalion and 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), part of the United States’ forces and stationed out of Okinawa (Japan), are currently in the Hyderabad area conducting a joint exercise with the Indian National Security Guard. This will go on for two weeks.

“The US-India security partnership is strong, and growing stronger,” said US Consul General Katherine Hadda in Hyderabad. “This Special Forces exercise in Hyderabad further advances our two countries' operational coordination, and it will clearly benefit both our nations,” she added.

A statement said that the current exercise would help build interoperability and comradeship between the two forces and is designed to enhance the capabilities of both Indian and US armed forces. The training focuses on mutual defence operations.

This means that both nations can more effectively employ forces and assist in the event of crises that may endanger public health and safety. The exercise is being overseen from the US Embassy in New Delhi and US Special Operations Pacific Command at Camp HM Smith in Hawaii.

This exercise is an example of the breadth and depth of the US-India security partnership. Planning for future training in furtherance of the US-India military partnership is ongoing.

These training events are part of US Indo-Pacific Command’s Theater Security Cooperation Program, conducted by the US military with a select group of nations in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance coordination and capabilities.

The US military works alongside India to increase interoperability, build partner capacity, prevent conflict and promote regional strength and peace throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

“Training like the Hyderabad exercise is critical to US Special Operations Forces as soldiers learn how to effectively work with Indian partners in new environments. This experience will be valuable should a crisis occur,” the statement said. The overall aim of the programme is to enhance professionalism and the ability to operate together during times of crisis.

The United States recognises India as a Major Defence Partner and military collaboration between the two countries is a result of high-level trust and also consistent efforts to broaden the ways in which the United States and India can work together.

Hyderabad has become a hub of US-Indian defence manufacturing including joint-venture facilities, technology centres and skill-development capacity.