India and United States commence 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026 in Himachal Pradesh

Exam-focused facts from the 24 February 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The 16th edition of the bilateral Special Forces exercise, Vajra Prahar 2026, is being conducted between the Indian Army and the United States (U.S.) Army.
The exercise is hosted at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS) in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
The exercise is conducted annually to enhance interoperability, operational coordination, and the exchange of advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
The 2026 edition focuses on counter-terrorism operations, precision strikes, intelligence-driven missions, and joint planning under simulated battlefield conditions.
The drill aims to strengthen the strategic partnership and enhance the capability of Special Forces to operate in diverse environments.