This annual training exercise enhances combined interoperability capabilities through training and cultural exchange

As part of their defense cooperation, troops from the Indian and the US armies will carry out combat drills in a combined operational environment and exchange expertise on conventional, unconventional, and hybrid threats during a two-week exercise in Rajasthan beginning Monday.

Yudh Abhyas 20 is scheduled to be held from February 8 to February 20 this year at the Mahajan Field Firing Range (MFFR) in Rajasthan.

According to an official release by the US Embassy in India, this US Army Pacific-sponsored exercise involves approximately 250 US Army and 250 Indian army soldiers.

“This U.S. Army Pacific-sponsored exercise involves approximately 250 U.S. and 250 Indian army soldiers. This annual training exercise enhances combined interoperability capabilities through training and cultural exchange, which foster enduring partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region through common defense objectives,” the statement read.

Yudh Abhyas 20 provides excellent opportunities for professional and cultural exchanges that strengthen our partnership through shared learning and training. It comes nearly two-and-a-half months after India carried out the Malabar naval exercise with the US, Japan, and Australia, which are the member nations of the Quad or Quadrilateral coalition.

“Training commences with expert academic exchanges and professional development workshops that focus on training at the corps-level and below; combat against conventional, unconventional and hybrid threats; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” the statement said.

The drill is taking place at a time when both the countries have renewed their resolve to further expand strategic and defense cooperation to effectively deal with common challenges including China's aggressive military posturing in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The command post exercise (CPX) will focus on U.N. peacekeeping operation staff tasks in a combined military setting. A field training exercise (FTX) will involve company-strength elements from each nation exercising combined, fundamental war-fighting skills to enhance combined operational capacity. The CPX and FTX will run concurrently,” it added.