New Delhi (NVI): The joint military training exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ between India and United States Army commenced today at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan which will continue till February 21.
The opening ceremony of 14 days exercise saw unfurling of the National Flags of both countries amidst playing of the National anthems, “Jana Gana Mana” and “The STAR- SPANGLED BANNER”, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
During the event, Brig Mukesh Bhanwala, Commander 170 Infantry Brigade welcomed the US contingent and impressed upon both the contingents to achieve optimum cohesion and inter operability to achieve the military objectives of the exercise.
He also stressed upon importance of free exchange of ideas, concepts, best practices between the troops and the necessity to learn from each other’s operational experiences as well enhance situational awareness, the statement noted.
The ministry further said that a number of aerial platform, including newly inducted indigenous Advance Light Helicopter WSI ‘RUDRA’, MI – 17, Chinooks, Stryker Vehicles of US Army and BMP-II Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicles of Indian Army, will be utilised in the exercise.
The exercise will enrich both the contingents from each others rich experience in counter insurgency operations, the statement said, adding that, “Besides counter insurgency operations, exchange of experiences in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief will also be a part of the exercise.”
Furthermore, the exercise is schedule to focused upon joint training on Counter Insurgency environment under United Nations mandate.
Earlier on February 6, the US Army contingent comprising of a Brigade Headquarters and a Battalion group of 2nd Battalion the 3rd Infantry Regiment of 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team comprising of 270 persons landed at Suratgarh, the statement added.
-RJV
