20th and largest edition of Yudh Abhyas commences in Rajasthan

The 20th edition of the annual India-US Joint military exercise code-named Yudh Abhyas 2024 commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan on 9 September 2024. The 2024 Yudh Abhays will be conducted from 9-22 September 2024.

2024 Yudh Abhyas Participants

The 20th edition of the Yudh Abhyas is the largest exercise ever in terms of participants. Both the Armies are deploying 600 personnel each in the exercise.

The Indian contingent mainly comprises a battalion of the Rajput Regiment of the Indian Army and personnel from other arms and services. 

The United States is represented by the personnel of its Indo-Pacific Command. The US  contingent comprises the 1-24 Battalion personnel of the Alaska-based 11th Airborne Division.

Feature of Yudh Abhyas Military Exercise 

At the Yudh Abhyas 2024, military exercise will involve both command post exercise and field training exercise.

The command post-exercise will focus on the United Nations peacekeeping operations in a military setting.

The field training exercise will focus on fundamental warfighting skills in a semi-desert condition jointly and to enhance their combined operational capacity.

Both the combined post-exercise and the field training exercise will run concurrently.

Brief history of India-US military exercise 

Joint military exercises are part of a country's diplomacy to strengthen bilateral defence relations with other countries and promote good relations between military personnel.

In 2002, India and the US started a joint military exercise involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force of both countries.

Exercises involving the Army of both India and the US 

Yudh Abhyas

• First in 2002 at Agra (India).
• It is held at battalion level, alternatively in India and the United States. 
• In 2023 it was held in Alaska (USA) in October 2023.

Vajra Prahar (Army Special Forces)

• First in  2010. 
• It is held between the U.S. and Indian Special Forces soldiers, focussing on jungle warfare and counterinsurgency.
• The 14th edition was held in November 2023 at the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School of the Indian Army in Vairengte, Mizoram.

Exercise involving Air Force 

Cope India

• First, in 2004, as a fighter jet training exercise between the Indian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force.
• In 2018, it was relaunched after a gap of nine years.
• The 6th edition of Cope India-2023 was held at Indian Air Force Stations Kalaikunda, Panagarh and Agra in the month of April 2023.

Tri-Service exercise 

Tiger TRIUMPH 

• Tiger TRIUMPH or Tri-Services India U.S. Amphibious Exercises involve both countries' Army, Navy and Air Force.
• First, in 2019, in the Bay of Bengal
• The 3rd edition was held at the Bay of Bengal in March 2024.

Special Exercise 

Exercise Tarkash 

• Involves the counter-terrorism forces of both countries.
• From India, the National Security Guard (NSG) takes part in the exercise with the U.S. Special Forces. 
• The seventh edition of the Exercise Tarkash was held in Kolkata in May 2024.

Exercise Sangam

• First edition -1994.
• It is a joint Naval Special Forces exercise. 
• Indian Navy Marine Commando Forces (MARCOs) and U.S. Navy SEALs participate. 
• The 8th edition of the Exercise Sangam was held at Goa in October-December 2023.