India and the United States today commenced their 16th edition of bilateral military exercises Yudh Abhyas at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Bikaner of Rajasthan.The opening ceremony witnessed unfurling of the national flags of both countries amidst playing of the national anthems.
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The drill will culminate on February 21.The 14-day exercise would focus upon joint training on counter-insurgency environment under United Nations mandate.The drill is being held days after the air forces of India and France had a five-day joint exercise in Rajasthan last month.
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On February 6, a contingent of 270 US soldiers arrived at Suratgarh in Rajasthan, where they were welcomed by Indian Army's 170 Infantry Brigade Commander Brig Mukesh Bhanwala.Indian Army's platforms like newly-inducted indigenous Advance Light Helicopter WSI 'Rudra', Mi-17, Chinooks and BMP-II mechanised infantry combat vehicles while the US Army's Stryker vehicles will participate in the exercise.
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"The exercise will enrich both the contingents from each other's rich experience in counter-insurgency operations," Rajasthan-based defence spokesman Lt Col Amitabh Sharma said.The bilateral drill is being held in India also assumes significance in the backdrop of recent developments on northern borders, and conveys the strategic posture of the two nations as well as enhanced upward trajectory in Indo-US relations.
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