The bilateral training exercise will take place at the Foreign Training Node at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges.
A defense spokesperson on Wednesday said that the 16th edition of the Indo-US joint military exercise “Yudh Abhyas” will be held between February 8 and 21, in Rajasthan. The spokesperson further stated that the exercise near the India-Pakistan border aims at strengthening cooperation and interoperability between the two armies and will focus on counter-terrorism operations under the United Nations mandate.
Defense Spokesperson Lt Col Amitabh Sharma said: “As part of military-to-military exchange programs, US Army troops will be arriving in India on February 5 for the 16th edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas with Indian Army troops.” He added that the bilateral training exercise will be held at the Foreign Training Node at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges.
Sharma said: “Exercise with US Army is significant in terms of security challenges faced by both the nations in the backdrop of global terrorism.” He elaborated that the joint military exercise will enhance the level of defense cooperation between the Indian and US armies, improve the bilateral relations between the nations and restate India’s crucial role as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region. He said that the exercise being held in India is significant in the backdrop of recent developments on northern borders and highlights the upward trajectory of Indo-US ties.
Sharma said in the exercise 11th Battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, part of the South Western Command will represent the Indian Army while the troops of 2nd battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment of 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team will represent the US Army delegation along with respective brigade headquarters.
The drill follows after the air forces of India and France held a five-day joint exercise in Rajasthan in January.
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