16th Edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar

• 25 Feb 2026

Source: TH

The 16th edition of the India-US joint special forces exercise ‘Vajra Prahar’ began at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. 

Vajra Prahar

• First conducted in India in 2010, the exercise is held alternately in India and the US. The previous edition was held in Idaho, US. 
• It involves personnel from the Indian Army’s Special Forces and the US Army’s Green Berets.
• The primary aim is to promote robust military cooperation by enhancing interoperability, jointness, and the mutual exchange of tactical expertise.
• It will enable the sharing of best practices and experience in areas such as joint mission planning capabilities and operational tactics. 

India- US Defence Cooperation

• Strategic Evolution: The relationship is anchored by the "New Framework for India-US Defence Cooperation" (renewed in 2015) and India's designation as a Major Defence Partnership (MDP) in 2016. India was also elevated to Tier-1 of the US Strategic Trade Authorization (STA) in 2018, easing export controls for high technology.
  • The bilateral ties were further solidified with the new 'Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership' signed in October 2025 to guide the next decade of cooperation.
  • The India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) launched in 2023 to fast-track defense innovation, private investment, and technology co-production.
• Foundational Agreements: Military interoperability is cemented by crucial agreements: Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA - 2016), Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA - 2018), Industrial Security Agreement (ISA - 2019), and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA - 2020).
• Defense Procurement: The Indian armed forces operate major US-origin platforms including the Apache, Chinook, MH60R helicopters, and P8I maritime aircraft.
• Joint Military Exercises: Key bilateral drills include Yudh Abhyas (Army), Cope India (Air Force), and Tiger Triumph (Tri-services).
  • Both nations also collaborate in major multilateral exercises like Malabar, RIMPAC, and Red Flag.

Read more: Strengthening Indo-US Strategic Partnership