New Delhi: Joint Indo US exercise, Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2017 concluded on 27 September 2017 at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), Washington, USA.
Exercise Yudh Abhyas is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the US and Indian Army partnership. The training was focused on specialised drills and procedures involved in counter insurgency, counter terrorist operations in an urban environment. The initial days of field training comprised of platoon level training on basic manoeuvres, which then progressed towards company level operations. Helicopter based mobilisation of teams for quick response was also practised.
The two Armies have gained from each other’s expertise and experience in conduct of platoon and company level operations. In addition the Indian contingent got a first-hand experience of operating with the ‘Stryker’ Infantry Combat Vehicle and the US Army gained an insight on the training of an infantry unit in a mountainous terrain.
A closing ceremony, to commemorate the proceedings of two weeks, showcased the flourishing partnership between the two nations. The impressive closing ceremony was witnessed by the officials of both the Armies including five Indian Army Veterans.
Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2017 achieved all joint training objectives and this shall further reinforce defence cooperation between the two Nations.
