16th Edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar

Exercise Name: Vajra Prahar (India‑US joint special forces exercise)
Edition: 16th (2026)
Location: Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, India
Participating Units: Indian Army Special Forces and US Army Special Forces (Green Berets)
First Conducted: 2010 in India
Alternating Venue: Held alternately in India and the United States; previous edition was in Idaho, USA
Primary Aim: Enhance interoperability, joint mission planning, and exchange of tactical expertise between the two forces

Strategic Frameworks:
New Framework for India‑US Defence Cooperation (renewed 2015)
Major Defence Partnership (MDP) – India designated in 2016
US Strategic Trade Authorization (STA) Tier‑1 – granted to India in 2018
Framework for the US‑India Major Defence Partnership signed in Oct 2025 for the next decade
Defence Acceleration Ecosystem: INDUS X launched in 2023 to fast‑track defence innovation and co‑production.
Foundational Agreements Cementing Interoperability:
Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA, 2016)
Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA, 2018)
Industrial Security Agreement (ISA, 2019)
Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA, 2020)
Key US‑Origin Platforms in Indian Service: Apache helicopters, Chinook helicopters, MH‑60R helicopters, P‑8I maritime patrol aircraft.
Other Bilateral Exercises: Yudh Abhyas (Army), Cope India (Air Force), Tiger Triumph (Tri‑services).
Multilateral Engagements: Malabar, RIMPAC, Red Flag.

Strategic Autonomy & Capability Building: Regular joint drills like Vajra Prahar improve the Indian Special Forces’ operational readiness and expose them to advanced US tactics and technology.
Technology Transfer & Indigenous Production: Agreements such as COMCASA and BECA facilitate access to cutting‑edge communication and sensor systems, aiding the ‘Make in India’ defence agenda.
Geopolitical Balancing: Strengthened Indo‑US defence ties act as a counterweight to regional security challenges, especially in the Indo‑Pacific.
Policy Implications: The continuity of such exercises reflects the government's commitment to deepening security cooperation, influencing future defence procurement and joint research initiatives.

Article 253 of the Constitution: Empowers the Union to enter into agreements with other countries for matters relating to defence and foreign affairs.
Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) 2020 & 2023 revisions: Provide the legal framework for acquiring foreign‑origin platforms and technology under agreements like LEMOA and COMCASA.