India-US Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026 Begins in Himachal

India and the United States started the 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar in Himachal Pradesh from 23 February to 15 March, 2026.

• The joint special forces exercise aims to deepen India-US defence cooperation, enhance interoperability and strengthen joint operational readiness.
• This annual drill reflects the growing strategic partnership between the two democracies and highlights their commitment to counter terrorism and ensure regional stability through high-intensity military collaboration.
• Vajra Prahar 2026 is a joint special forces exercise conducted alternately in India and the United States. Its main objective is to promote India-US military cooperation through better interoperability and jointness.
• This exercise was started in 2010 as part of efforts to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries.
• The exercise usually includes specialised training, including airborne operations, joint mission planning and the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

About previous editions of Vajra Prahar

• The 15th edition of Vajra Prahar was held in Idaho, USA in 2024.
• 14th edition year 2023: Held in Umroi, Meghalaya.

About other India and US military exercises

• Yudh Abhyas (Army exercise)
• Malabar (Naval exercise)
• Cope India (Air Force exercise)
• Tiger Triumph · Indian Army and Navy

About India-USA defence relations

• In 2016, the U.S. recognised India as a “Major Defence Partner”, committing to facilitate technology sharing with India at a level comparable to its closest allies and partners.
• In 2018, the announcement of India’s elevation to Tier I of the Strategic Trade Authorization (STA) licence exception will further help ease engagement in advanced and sensitive technologies.
• There are now four agreements between the two countries covering areas of military information, logistics exchange, compatibility and security.
• GSOMIA (a military information agreement) was among the first agreements signed in 2002.
• LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Agreement) was signed in 2002.
• COMCASA (Communication Security Agreement) was signed in 2018.
• Basic Exchange Cooperation Agreement (BECA) was signed in 2020.