India and the US launched their most extensive ground combat exercise to date, named ‘Yudh Abhyas,’ at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan. This 21-day exercise, involving around 600 troops from India’s Rajput Regiment and 600 soldiers from the US’s 1-24 Battalion of the 11th Airborne Division, aims to bolster military interoperability and refine combat skills. The 20th edition of Yudh Abhyas represents a substantial escalation in scope, complexity, and equipment deployment, according to an Army officer.
The exercise will enhance joint military capabilities for counter-terrorism operations in semi-desert conditions, focusing on realistic simulations of such missions. Tactical drills will include joint responses to terrorist actions, planning, and combined field exercises. This initiative is designed to promote best practices in joint operations, improve interoperability, and strengthen camaraderie between the two armies.
Over the years, India and the US have progressively expanded the scale, strength, and frequency of their joint military exercises, reflecting their growing strategic partnership. This includes bilateral exercises like “Vajra Prahar” and “Yudh Abhyas,” as well as the Malabar naval wargames with Australia and Japan. India is scheduled to host the next Malabar exercise in October in the Bay of Bengal, amidst China’s increasing influence in the Indian Ocean Region. Additionally, the US has secured over $21 billion in Indian defence contracts since 2007, including major projects like the procurement of MQ-9B Predator drones and joint production of GE-F414 jet engines for India’s Tejas Mark-II fighters.
