Kathmandu, February 18. Armies of the United States and India are conducting bilateral joint military exercises at the Foreign Training Node of the Mahajan Field Firing Range (MFFR) in the north-western Bikaner town of Rajasthan.

The 14-day joint training “Yudh Abhyas” was first held in 2004 in order to promote a strong relationship and exchange between the armies of the two countries who have common defence objectives. 

The 16th(present) edition of the annual event that commenced on February 8 is fueled by the US Army Pacific. Around 500 soldiers, 250 from each country are participating in the drills. 

On February 5, 270 American soldiers representing the 2nd Battalion of the Stryker Brigade Combat Team landed in Rajasthan. They were welcomed by Commander 170 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Mukesh Bhanwala. Around 250 soldiers of the 11th Battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles representing the Indian Army gave a warm welcome to the American soldiers.

US Embassy in India announced that the exercises will create an environment for the two armies to collaboratively conduct UN peacekeeping operation tasks after the Fortnight event ends on 21st February.

Earlier in December, India in collaboration with the US, Japan and Australia conducted a quadrilateral Malabar naval exercise in the Indian Ocean. 

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