India and United States Conduct Joint Counter‑Terrorism Exercise

India’s National Security Guard (NSG) and the United States Special Operations Forces (US SOF) completed the eighth edition of the bilateral counter‑terrorism drill, code‑named Tarkash VIII, on 7 August 2026. The exercise, held from 13 July to 7 August at the Infosys campus in Pune, Maharashtra, involved commandos from both nations training together to enhance operational readiness and interoperability.

Officials said the participants demonstrated “exceptional professionalism, adaptability and commitment to excellence,” and the successful conclusion reflects the shared commitment of the two forces to maintain high standards of counter‑terrorism capability.

The drill underscores expanding security cooperation between India and the United States and is part of broader efforts to strengthen joint response to terrorism threats in the region.