India and US militaries will jointly begin a two-week long mega exercise in Washington from September 14. The drill comes amid growing tensions in the Asia Pacific region.
In a statement issued here, the Indian Army said that the aim of this annual exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ is to further strengthen 'jointmanship' and facilitate interoperability between the two armies to meet any unforeseen contingency across the globe.
It is the 13th edition of the joint military exercise. It said both armies will jointly train, plan and execute a series of well-developed operations for "neutralisation of threats of varied nature".
It said the exercise, to be held at the Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington, will be one of the largest joint military training and defence corporation endeavours between the two countries.
The exercise assumes significance due to increasing tension in the Asia Pacific region following the nuclear test by North Korea and China's growing assertiveness in the South China sea.
"Multiple scenarios will be rehearsed during the exercise with a view to understand each-other's organisational structure and battle procedures... that would further facilitate interoperability between the armed forces of both countries to meet any unforeseen contingency across the globe," the Army said.
"In the end a joint exercise will be undertaken by both countries in an operational setting under a UN mandate," the Army added.
