Context: The 20th edition of India-USA joint military exercise YUDH-ABHYAS 2024 has started at Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. This edition of YUDH-ABHYAS has a significant increase in terms of troop strength and equipment employed in the joint exercise focusing on semi-desert environment.
About YUDH-ABHYAS
- YUDH-ABHYAS is an annual exercise between militaries of USA & India ie Indian Army & USA Army.
- First edition of YUDH-ABHYAS was held in 2004.
- It is held alternatively in India and USA.
Significance
- Enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of UN Charter.
- Prepare a joint exercise to a terrorist action, joint planning and combined field training exercises that simulate real-world counter-terror missions.
- Share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting joint operations.
- Facilitate development of inter-operability and bonhomie between the two armies.
- Enhance defence cooperation between India & USA.