Published: 22 February 2026Governance
16th Exercise Vajra Prahar: India-US Joint Special Forces Drill Begins at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh
The 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar, a joint Special Forces drill between the Indian Army and the United States Army, commenced on February 24, 2026 at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh Cantonment, Himachal Pradesh. The exercise will continue till March 16, 2026.
The Indian Army deployed 45 personnel while the US Army sent 12 Green Berets. The exercise focuses on joint Special Forces operations in mountainous terrain, physical conditioning, joint mission planning, joint tactical drills and interoperability between the two forces. The first edition was conducted in India in 2010, and the previous edition was held in Idaho, USA, in November 2024.
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India's multidimensional poverty rate declined from 55.1% to what level by 2019-21?
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Frequently asked questions
What is **Exercise Vajra Prahar** and where was its 16th edition held?
**Exercise Vajra Prahar** is an annual **India-US joint special forces training exercise**; its **16th edition** was held at **Bakloh in Himachal Pradesh**, focusing on special operations, counter-terrorism, and jungle warfare.
What is the purpose of **Exercise Vajra Prahar** between India and the US?
**Vajra Prahar** enhances **India-US special forces interoperability** through joint training in special operations, unconventional warfare, direct action missions, and information exchange on counter-terrorism tactics.
Where is **Bakloh** and why is it used for **Exercise Vajra Prahar**?
**Bakloh** is a military cantonment in **Himachal Pradesh** home to the **Special Forces Training School (SFTS)**; its mountainous terrain makes it ideal for high-altitude special forces training exercises like **Vajra Prahar**.
Which Indian and US forces participate in **Exercise Vajra Prahar**?
**India's Special Forces (Para SF)** and **US Army Special Forces (Green Berets)** participate in **Exercise Vajra Prahar**, jointly training in counter-terrorism, special reconnaissance, and direct action missions.
How does **Exercise Vajra Prahar** fit into **India-US defence cooperation**?
**Vajra Prahar** is one of several **India-US joint exercises** strengthening defence ties under the **India-US Major Defence Partnership**, complementing exercises like **Yudh Abhyas** (army) and **Malabar** (naval).
